Leicester City 0-1 Hull City: 3 reasons it went wrong for Enzo Maresca

Leicester City’s 100 percent win record came to a stuttering halt on Saturday as a lone Liam Delap goal was enough to see Hull City overcome the then-Championship leaders. The defeat is a stark reminder to the Foxes faithful as to how unpredictable the second division can be and that anyone can beat anyone on their day.

Coming into the game, Leicester had been on their best run of form in the club’s history, winning their opening four league fixtures for the first time. Coincided with a healthy run in the Carabao Cup, expectations were for the Foxes to see out yet another win, but Enzo Maresca now heads into the international break having suffered his sides’ first defeat. Here’s where Foxes of Leicester feel it went wrong on a frustrating day at the King Power.

The starting XI

Lineups are always clearer in hindsight, but when the team news was announced at 2pm, there were a couple of calls that posed a few questions. Kasey McAteer, a player who is yet to discover his strongest position in the team, was moved from the right wing – from where he scored both goals against Rotherham – to the left which allowed for Yunus Akgun to make his full debut for the club, meaning that the impressive Stephy Mavididi started from the bench.

Both McAteer and Yunus had several good touches, but neither got on the ball as much as Maresca would have liked. When both came off for Mavididi and new signing Abdul Fatawu in the second half, their replacements were able to have a greater impact on the game.

Mavididi looked comfortable on the ball, his greater experience on the left flank greatly outshone McAteer’s time on that side, whilst Fatawu was comfortably the most impressive part of Leicester’s display. The 19-year-old showcased dazzling footwork and pace as he frequently raced to the byline before cutting the ball across the box. It was Fatawu who came closest to scoring for the Foxes, his low effort had beaten the ‘keeper, but crashed off the post to deny him a dream debut.

The other two selection head-scratchers were the inclusion of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho. Both Nigerians had a busy transfer deadline day on Friday and there was a chance that neither would be at the club come kick-off. As it so happened, deals couldn’t be struck and both remain in the East Midlands, but it was surprising for both to start.

Ndidi changed the game against Tranmere in the midweek Carabao Cup fixture, the midfielder scored and assisted having come on at half-time. Whilst this is the argument made for him starting, the same can’t be said for Kelechi Iheanacho.

Aside from a belting performance against Burton, the striker hasn’t had the best of starts this season. Yet to score in the Championship, perhaps it was the right time to start Jamie Vardy who had just scored against Tranmere. The veteran came close to a late equaliser against The Tigers, but his header just glanced past the wrong side of the goal.