The Tigers started their Premier League campaign by shocking champions Leicester City 2-1 at the KCOM Stadium with only 13 fit senior players and that could be swiftly followed by news that Assem Allam will sell the club to new Chinese investors.
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The newly-promoted hosts began the campaign as favourites for relegation, but goals from Adama Diomande and Robert Snodgrass either side of a Riyad Mahrez penalty gave them a flawless start to the season as Claudio Ranieri’s side slumped to just their fifth defeat in their last 48 Premier League outings.
Mahrez scored from the penalty spot two minutes into the second half after Tom Huddlestone had clipped Demarai Gray on the edge of the area, before Snodgrass slammed home the victor, providing some respite for Hull, who had only 13 fit senior players available.
Riyad Mahrez levelled from the spot, only for Robert Snodgrass to smash home the victor.
“My job is to enjoy my weekend – you don’t get many chances to do that in the Premier League – and start again Monday”.
“Hugo got injured and that had a big impact on us”.
Last term, the energy and dynamism of N’Golo Kante in the heart of the park was vital as Leicester sought to disrupt teams and win back the ball, and with the France global departing for Chelsea, the Foxes were left short of endeavour and industry in the heart of the park.
It was a particularly frustrating afternoon for England striker Jamie Vardy, whose 24 Premier League goals propelled Leicester to the title last season but who missed a string of first-half chances on Saturday.
“The delivery of the ball from their defence forward wasn’t the quality it was last season but we determined what was happening because we were on the front foot and we anticipated certain instances”.
Leicester City ‘s shock 2-1 defeat by Hull City on Saturday was a reality check for Claudio Ranieri’s reigning champions. “I’m very pleased about our first performance against a very good team”. It was the first time that the holders have lost their opening-day fixture in Premier League history.
Vardy, who scored 24 Premier League goals last season, miscued badly from two Musa pull-backs and had another follow-up effort blocked by Jake Livermore after Christian Fuchs’ shot was saved.
They had a slow start during their pre-season. They showed a lot of the determination…
Leicester, heavy favourites here, handed debuts to Ahmed Musa and Luis Hernandez.
Koeman added: “I think it’s a fair result”.
Guardiola’s tenure had lift off after four minutes when Sergio Aguero struck from the spot after Raheem Sterling was felled by Patrick van Aanholt.
Etienne Capoue put Watford ahead in the ninth minute, but Nathan Redmond levelled in the 58th minute before Hornets midfielder Ben Watson was sent off.
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Pep Guardiola’s first Manchester City team sheet showed the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is not one to duck hard decisions.
