After a slow start to the season Leicester City burst into action with a 2-1 victory over Swansea City in torrential conditions.
Jamie Vardy blasted home to open the scoring early on, while Wes Morgan powered the ball home after halftime to double the Foxes’ lead. Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty, before Leroy Fer ensured a nervous end to the match by pulling one back for Swansea with a late header.
Vardy returns to the scoresheet
Leicester’s star hitman secured his first goal of the season in typical fashion, dashing onto a long ball to send an effort past the goalkeeper. It was a simply stunning strike which rattled the inside of the post and left Lucasz Fabianski with little hope.
The bright display from Vardy will have boosted the confidence of fans that he will be more then a ‘one-season wonder’.
One dimensional attack slow to evolve for Ranieri
Leicester are renowned for their blistering counter-attacks through stars Vardy and Mahrez, with the duo once again key to securing all three points against the Swans.
Shinji Okazaki put in a trademark performance when working extremely hard off the ball, yet more is needed from him in front of goal. The same can be said of Ahmed Musa, with a distinct lack of finishing touch certain to harm Leicester’s prospects in the long term.
Injury creates opportunity
Daniel Amartey took his opportunity in central-midfield with a combative display that paved the way for victory.
The 21-year-old proved the launch pad for Leicester’s first goal after defusing an opposition attack. His dynamic approach allowed a characteristic counter to unfold, as Vardy in turn ruthlessly found the back of the net.
With first choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel rushed from the field Ron-Robert Zieler was also thrust into a debut. He was promptly beaten at the near post in a shaky display, and will Leicester hope for a swift return from their regular No.1.
Suspect Swansea
With takeover deals on hold and the loss of captain Ashley Williams at the brink of the season, the Welsh club has plunged into a crisis early on.
The signings of Fernando Llorente and Borja Baston were meant to soften these issues in the striking department, but so far the experienced Spaniard is lacking the finishing ability once on display at Athletic Bilbao, while club record signing Borja Baston is yet to be seen due to injury.
The goal threat has again been heaved on Gyfli Sigurdsson and with Fer in tow, the pair are looking to keep Swansea’s head above relegation waters.
Mahrez misses from the spot
Looking to step up his performance after recently signing a new deal with the club, the playmaker will be disappointed with his penalty effort against Fabianski.
A weak shot to the goalkeeper’s right was quickly swatted, as Mahrez was momentarily put on the back foot in an otherwise encouraging display.
His views on goal were largely wayward though, as he works his way back to full form after a tumultuous start to the campaign.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
