Jose’s joy with his friends reunited
Mahrez is dazzling in the shop window
LEICESTER BRIGHTON
RIYAD MAHREZ issued another come-and-get-me plea – only this time he let his feet do the talking to continue Brighton’s baptism of fire in the Premier League.
Manager Craig Shakespeare was full of praise for the way Mahrez brushed aside all the uncertainty about his future with a magical performance, even though it could well speed up his departure from Leicester.
Roma appear to be looking elsewhere after a £32million bid fell short of Leicester’s valuation, but the winger has been linked with other big clubs since publicly stating a desire to leave
“It’s a credit to him and his personality,” said Shakespeare after Mahrez’s shot set up Shinji Okazaki’s opener after just 52 seconds, before Harry Maguire scored his first for the club nine minutes after the break.
“From Riyad’s point of view, since he made the statement he has been very professional and worked hard.”
Defender Danny Simpson would be happy if next week’s transfer deadline came and went with Mahrez still at Leicester. He said: “Hopefully he stays top player. As soon as the whistle went, he was up for it. When he’s like that, he’s unstoppable.”
While Shakespeare will hope to hold on to Mahrez, Brighton boss Chris Hughton will be wishing he can find someone with that ability to unlock top-flight defences after Brighton had plenty of possession but rarely troubled Leicester
“We wanted to bring in players anyway, so this result doesn’t change my desire,” said Hughton.
“I know how tough it is in the Premier League. The experience we get from results like this one have to make us better.”
LEICESTER CITY (4-4-2): Goals: BRIGHTON (4-4-1-1): Referee: Booked: NEXT UP: NEXT UP: