“Last season we made something unbelievable”.
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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.
But 10 minutes later Hull secured victory when Danny Simpson could only partially clear Ahmed Elmohamady’s cross and Snodgrass thrashed the loose ball home.
Manchester City brought Pep Guardiola as new manager and big signings were made.
“A lot of the time it was fingers crossed to make sure that we had enough players to get out onto this field today”, Phelan said.
Kante’s combative presence was missed, while it was Hull who defended resolutely and harried the champions, an early indicator of how teams are unlikely to underestimate Leicester and will raise their game against the champions.
Leicester City’s only absentee is center back Robert Huth, whose suspension from the end of last season is carried over into the new campaign.
That set the stage for a late flurry of City pressure which culminated in former Manchester United defender McNair heading a Jesus Navas cross into his own net from close-range.
Ross Barkley gave Everton its fifth-minute lead in Ronald Koeman’s first game in charge, but Erik Lamela headed a second-half equaliser for Spurs.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris limped off with a hamstring injury in the 35th minute.
“It’s the first match, it’s OK”, Ranieri said.
“Lloris got injured and that was a big impact on us. I am here with my wife and my son and I think that’s the most important thing for me”.
The Blues still have the most deadly striker in the league – Sergio Agüero – who is in every sane person’s fantasy team.
Meanwhile, Swansea won 1-0 at promoted Burnley courtesy of an 82nd-minute strike by Leroy Fer.
Leroy Fer scored a late victor as Swansea beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor and a header from West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon gave the visitors a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace. “But of course, for the new people, new manager, new players, to start winning helps to believe in what we are doing”.
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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The games between Middlesbrough – Stoke City, Everton – Tottenham, Southampton – Watford all finished 1-1.
