The Italian set himself the same benchmark this term, to much mirth, but an opening day 2-1 defeat at relegation favourites Hull have cast his comments in a new light. Leicester were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute and Algerian Riyad Mahrez fired it straight down the middle of the goal to equalise, reports Efe.
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“The first games are always hard”.
“Sometimes you are a little lucky”, City’s new manager told reporters.
It was the first time the defending English champions had opened the campaign with a defeat since 1989, when Arsenal lost at Manchester United.
Leicester were never going to repeat the exploits of last season but they have to hold it together until the transfer window closes so their biggest players such as Mahrez don’t get frustrated and seek alternative playing options.
Both men attempted an overhead volley; Hernandez made contact first, but the ball flicked off Diomande’s foot and flashed into the net.
Hull’s preparations for their top-flight return have been nightmarish, with Steve Bruce walking out and his assistant Mike Phelan left in caretaker charge of a squad consisting just 13 fit first-teamers, supplemented here by five academy prospects on the bench.
City dominated possession but were short on the incisive attacking play that was a hallmark of Guardiola’s Barcelona and Bayern Munich teams.
Sunderland thought they had taken a point when the evergreen Defoe peeled away from the home defence after being picked out by Jack Rodwell in the 71st minute. Lloris didn’t last until the half, though, as Michel Vorm came on to replace the goalkeeper, who suffered a hamstring injury while chasing down the ball.
Tottenham dominated after the break and got a deserved equaliser on the hour mark when Lamela turned in Kyle Walker’s cross.
“We shall have to wait and see, but it might be a big week this week”, he said.
The rest of the second half can be summed up as poor for Leicester, and that’s putting it lightly. I think this was the key of the match. “I’m very pleased about our first performance against a very good team”.
Just as Leicester, against the odds, were crowned kings of football in May, Hull City Saturday beat the champions 2-1.
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Newly promoted Middlesbrough had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke, while Watford drew 1-1 at Southampton.
