No sulking, just cheers for Mahrez

WHILE Diego Costa, Philippe Coutinho and Virgil van Dijk sulk, Riyad Mahrez will tomorrow mark 12 weeks since handing in his transfer request. Mahrez was instrumental in this Leicester City win and manager Craig Shakespeare has spoken to both Mahrez and Danny Drinkwater, who are aware that they play for the badge on the front of the shirt and not the names on the back. Drinkwater, who is due back in first-team training today and in line to face Manchester United this weekend, has been the subject of speculation about a move to Chelsea. Despite saying he wanted to leave Leicester, Mahrez’s teammates have not held a grudge. They want him to stay, particularly after witnessing the way he pulled the strings in this victory. The goals were scored by Shinji Okazaki and Harry Maguire but were set up by Mahrez, and Danny Simpson said: ‘As soon as the whistle went you knew he was up for it. When he’s like that he’s unstoppable. You want your best players at the club. Hopefully he stays.’ Shakespeare will continue to select Mahrez and Drinkwater, who said: ‘If you are asked to represent the football club you are paid by, then you do that.’ SUPER STAT: Riyad Mahrez has assisted in consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since February 2016. LEICESTER CITY (4-4-1-1): Schmeichel 7; Simpson 7, Morgan 7, Maguire 8, Fuchs 7; Mahrez 8.5, James 7, Ndidi 7, Albrighton 7; Okazaki 8 (Slimani 76min); Vardy 7.5 (Gray 90). Subs not used: Hamer, Chilwell, Amartey, King, Ulloa. Scorers: Okazaki 1, Maguire 54. Booked: Morgan. Manager: Craig Shakespeare 7.5. BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (4-4-1-1): Ryan 5; Bruno 6, Dunk 6, Duffy 6, Suttner 5; Murphy 6, Stephens 6, Propper 5.5, March 5.5; Gross 5.5 (Knockaert 62, 6); Murray 5.5 (Hemed 66, 6). Subs not used: Maenpaa, Bong, Huenemeier, Rosenior, Skalak. Manager: Chris Hughton 6. Man of the match: Riyad Mahrez. Referee: Lee Probert 6. Attendance: 31,902.