New manager Brendon Rodgers sees Leicester City edge past Brighton
Leicester 2 — Brighton 1
Statistically, the game was very even. But it’s Leicester City who came out victors in a closely fought game at the King Power Stadium.
Brendon Rodgers was appointed the new manager just one hour before kick-off. This didn’t seem to affect the players though. An effective counter-attack from the Foxes gave them the lead just 10 minutes in. Youri Tielemans broke forward and found Demarai Gray who was able to find the net.
Both goalkeepers were called into action minutes later. Ben Chilwell found Gray in space again. He aimed for the bottom left; Mathew Ryan was equal to it. An error from Tielemans gave Brighton a great chance to equalise. Pascal Gross’s deflected shot looked in but Peter Schmeichel tipped it over the bar.
As the first half came to an end, Brighton continued to press forward. Former Leicester man Anthony Knockaert fired a shot but Schmeichel reacted quickly to get the ball away.
The second half started with promise for Leicester. Unfortunately, an unmarked Jamie Vardy headed the ball wide. His miss almost proved crucial as Brighton forced another mistake from Leicester. This time James Maddison gave the ball away but luckily for him, Gross opted for power and missed.
Maddison made up for the mistake with an assist. Composed on the ball he picked out Vardy with a great pass, who blasted the shot past Ryan to make it 2–0.
The two-goal lead lasted just three minutes. Davy Propper showed good skill to get passed Tielemans and score. With 66 minutes played the game seemed poised for a tense end but Leicester held on for the win.
First-team coach Mike Stowell temporarily filled in for Brendon Rodgers and told us what the new manager thought of the win.
“Brendan’s pleased. He spoke to the lads in the dressing room. He was proud of them and liked the spirit. The atmosphere has lifted with a win and with the new manager because I’m sure he’ll bring a lot of good things. It’s exciting times.
“He’s got a presentation to give to them on Thursday on what he expects from them on and off the pitch. I’m excited about watching that.”
