JAMES IS ON FORM, VARDY’S OFF AND WOLVES FINDING LIFE TOUGH
THREE points, two goals, one red card – the countdown to a mad afternoon for Leicester manager Claude Puel.
On the one hand, a wonderful performance from new scoring midfielder James Maddison and a first win of the season in the bag.
On the other, Jamie Vardy can look forward to an early-season mini-break after his out-of-control challenge on Matt Doherty brought instant dismissal from referee Mike Dean.
It was a day to forget for Doherty, who left the pitch after the tackle having earlier scored the own-goal opener. So mixed emotions for the Foxes after the only Midlands derby left on the Premier League fixture list. Puel was full of sympathy for England forward Vardy afterwards.
He said: “I think it was a little tough. It was not his intention to make a foul. Too much enthusiasm and it’s a pity.
“After the ball he touches the player and it was in the move. It was not aggressive and he has been unlucky.”
Wolves swept all before them last season, collecting plaudits, points and goals seemingly without effort.
The Premier League is a very different playground and this was a wake-up call for the newly promoted side.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: “Disappointed with the result. We started the game very well, we were totally in control, creating chances, playing good, managing the game.
“But in that moment we should score, we had chances enough to do it, so we have to work on that – one thing that we have to improve because it changes the dynamic of the game.
“And in the other box we didn’t have luck – the game is like that. But the second half, playing against 10 men, we should do more. A lot of things to take on but a lot of things in front of us.
“We must be more ruthless and clinical, but at the same time relentless to keep on doing the same things – control the game, manage the possession of the ball, create chances