Perfect start for Leicester

Leicester : Leicester City got the Claude Puel era off to a perfect start with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Everton that deepened the Merseyside club’s problems.

Leicester began the game on the front foot and threatened after only four minutes when Demarai Gray raced forward and sent a low drive just wide from outside the area.

Gray was soon causing concern again, crossing for Ben Chilwell who sent a wild effort off target, and defender Wes Morgan had an effort deflected over soon afterwards.

But Puel’s team had the lead they deserved with 18 minutes gone thanks to Jamie Vardy, who put the finishing touch to a swift counter involving Gray and Riyad Mahrez.

They almost made it two with Everton reeling as Vardy raced down the left and squared for Mahrez, who won the ball back from Ashley Williams but saw Pickford gather his effort.

Wayne Rooney found Aaron Lennon inside the area but his pull-back fell behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin -- and within moments Leicester had doubled their lead.

Gray again created the danger, getting down the left and firing in a low cross that was sliced into his own net by young right-back Jonjoe Kenny with less than half an hour played.

Lennon felt he had been fouled inside the penalty area as David Unsworth’s Everton tried to muster a response, but the referee waved away their appeals, and Kevin Mirallas lashed wide.

Unsworth made a double change at the break, bringing on Oumar Niasse and Beni Baningime for Lennon and Mirallas, and Everton made a strong start with Tom Davies almost putting Calvert-Lewin through on goal.

Niasse then had a shot comfortably held by Kasper Schmeichel before being denied by a good Morgan interception when Calvert-Lewin crossed towards him.

But Everton were still struggling to create much in the way of clear chances and Leicester, despite failing to replicate the threat they showed in the first half, held on comfortably.