ⓒ The Age
Leicester City kicked off the Ruud van Nistelrooy era with a resounding 3-1 victory over West Ham United in a thrilling Premier League encounter at the King Power Stadium. The match was a rollercoaster of chances, with West Ham dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, but ultimately failing to capitalise on their advantage. Leicester, despite having fewer shots on goal, proved more clinical in front of net.
West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, expressed his frustration post-match, highlighting his team’s 31 shots on goal, many of which came close to scoring. He acknowledged that despite a strong first half performance, the team lost composure in the second and ultimately fell short. Lopetegui remained defiant, however, emphasizing his team’s ability to turn things around.
In contrast, Leicester’s manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, expressed his delight with the win, praising his players’ energy, spirit and the team’s defensive efforts. He noted that while West Ham’s high shot count was a concern, the victory showcased the team’s fighting spirit and commitment. He also highlighted the team’s adoption of the new 4-4-2 formation and the need for consistent possession.
Leicester’s goals came from a mix of individual brilliance and team work. Jamie Vardy, a key figure in the victory, expressed his satisfaction with his performance and the team’s progress under the new manager. Youngster Bilal El Khannous also celebrated his first Premier League goal, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The match wasn’t without its controversies. A refereeing decision to award a foul against West Ham, when Mads Hermansen appeared to have inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, proved crucial. This incident, along with Crystal Palace’s earlier win at Ipswich, has intensified the relegation battle at the bottom of the table.
Despite West Ham’s dominance in possession and shots on target, Leicester’s clinical finishing and a touch of luck secured a vital three points, marking a positive start for Van Nistelrooy’s tenure and leaving Lopetegui facing further pressure.
