Leicester City 2-0 Watford, Premier League: 3 things learned

Slow start FC are disbanded

For some unknown reason, Leicester City have been lethargic, even sluggish as Premier League games begin this season. This has hopefully been thoroughly addressed by manager Claude Puel now. Because if not sorted, this issue could drag the Foxes down to the bottom-half of the table. In addition, these slow starts could have been the Frenchman’s downfall. It is imperative to end this tepid beginning.

While perusing BBC Sport‘s statistics for the Foxes and the Hornets, it is clear that Puel switched his system, or more accurately, style and application. City can allow the 62 per cent possession afforded to Javi Gracia’s team, if enterprise is utilised.

The impetus was with the East Midlands side for once as the match commenced. Vardy’s penalty came on 12 minutes, then, just out of the first quarter – at which time Leicester struggle – Maddison added the sublime second. Ending the awful lackluster starts.

Worryingly, before Saturday’s meeting with Watford, Leicester City stood at the top – or bottom, depending on your perception – of the ‘slow start list’. In the premiership this campaign, Puel’s outfit had scored no goals in the initial 15 minutes; as well as conceding a disappointing five overall in that time frame.

Interestingly, in the Carabao Cup the scenario is altered; albeit with a much changed side. Danny Ward’s heroics helped enable a quarter-finals appearance versus Manchester City later this month. In those League Cup outings, the Foxes managed three clean sheets in as many games. While finding the net only once in that period. Winning is of course the ultimate aim, in spite of when either team score. Yet, the implication here is not to hand the opposition incentive.