Newcastle United 2-3 Leicester City: Three lessons learned

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The renovation of Gray and Mahrez

Wind back two months, Craig Shakespeare is at the helm, his two most flamboyant players, Gray and Mahrez have only scored a combined total of three goals in their collective 23 Leicester City appearances this season.

Their futures are uncertain – one is yet to sign a contract and the other is trying to build a path to the exit door.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Demarai Gray of Leicester City celebrates scoring the 2nd Leicester goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on December 9, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

It is looking rather bleak at the King Power Stadium.

Roll forward 61 days, the innovative Puel has the reigns, Demarai Gray has signed a new four-year-deal and while Mahrez could well be on his way out at least he has recovered the form that made him so desirable in the first place.

The duo have gone on to score three each in their last seven and Leicester have taken their winning streak to three for the first time this season.

Although Mahrez is still intent on expressing his ambition to leave, at least now he is doing so while showcasing the reasons as to why he believes he deserves his move.

He has been directly involved in eight goals in 16 appearances in the Premier League this season (four goals and four assists), which is just one less than what he gained in all of his 36 games last term, when he managed six goals and three assists.

Newcastle had no answers for the menacing pair despite their best efforts.