Leicester beats Sunderland 4-2 in Premier League

In my career, I think it’s more hard in the second year of the Premier League than the first.’.

Chelsea were fortunate not to become the first ever Barclays Premier League champions to start their title defence with defeat after Swansea threatened an opening-day upset.

“So then it was 3-0 and they were sharper and better”.

Ex-Chelsea chief Ranieri has presided over an unbeaten pre-season in charge of the Foxes since succeeding Nigel Pearson. Ranieri would be well advised to keep with Pearson’s effective 352 formation which served them well in the runin, but whether he can achieve the same results is open to question.

Sunderland, by contrast, have retained the services of miracle man Dick Advocaat for this season. “The whole team played very, very well”. Sunderland will be without the services of Jordi Gomez as he continues his recovery from his broken knee cap.

The 4-2 victory against Sunderland on Saturday had echoes of Leicester’s 5-2 rout over the Black Cats in March 2000.

“Towards the end of last season our main strength was our starts and we just carried that on”. Having said that, they should still have enough quality to finish comfortably in the top four, with question marks still surrounding Liverpool and their Manchester rivals.

But there was a harsh lesson for Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth who dominated for long periods at home to Aston Villa before visiting substitute Rudy Gestede grabbed the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute. With the move made permanent last summer, he registered one goal in 27 appearances during the previous campaign.

The Foxes will realistically be hoping for another season of just about securing their topflight status after THAT incredible escape last season.

Leicester’s strength is at setpieces, using the aerial threat of Leonardo Ulloa and Robert Huth.

After avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, Sunderland have looked to strengthen their squad this summer.

Walker put through his own net in the 22nd minute, rushing back in an attempt to prevent England team-mate Wayne Rooney taking aim from Ashley Young’s cross and succeeding only in scuffing the ball into his own net. Only Burnley scored fewer goals than them and it almost cost them their Premier League place.

Following an awry free kick attempt straight off the training ground, the Foxes were given a second chance minutes later, and they didn’t disappoint again as Marc Albrighton’s set piece was met wonderfully by Jamie Vardy’s header.

Sunderland attacked throughout the entire 90 minutes, however neither team lacked a final product, indicative of both teams’ seasons.

Star Player: Sergio Aguero: Even though he seems to have his fair share of injury problems, the Argentinian forward is comfortably one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League.

“I wanted to replace one with Kante, and another I am still waiting for”, the 63-year-old said.