Leicester City 0 – 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
A Premier League stalemate, yet this was no dull affair for the watching SBOBET followers.
Despite the lack of goals, there were still plenty of Premier League highlights and of course, what could quickly become a regular sight – the use of VAR.
It proved the topic of conversation again in the East Midlands after a disallowed goal cost Wolves a perfect start to the league campaign.
Highlights of the game
In terms of who was getting the nod, Ayoze Perez made his Leicester City debut with deadline-day signing Dennis Praet on the bench and Caglar Soyuncu getting the nod to replace the departed Harry Maguire.
Wolves pair Jonny and Ruben Neves, rested against Pyunik in the Europa League on Thursday,both started with new signing Patrick Cutrone named among the substitutes.
For teams who the Premier League betting odds predict will be among the most likely to unseat one of the established ‘top six this season, this was an entertaining start at the King Power, even if chances were at a premium.
Leicester did most of the pressing but didn’t really threaten Rui Patricio.
The closest came when Jamie Vardy failed to connect with a low cross from Youri Tielemans before Jonny Evans came to the hosts’ rescue with Willy Boly set to pounce.
After 45 minutes without a shot on target, we only had to wait 45 seconds after the restart.
Raul Jimenez was played through swiftly and, as he tried to get the ball on his right foot, shot straight at Kasper Schmeichel.
It seemed Wolves had been rewarded when Joao Moutinho’s corner was met by Leander Dendoncker and his header was blocked by team-mate Boly who then reacted quickly to sweep in a left-footed strike.
However, VAR ruled the Belgian had handled the ball and Leicester were reprieved.
It was the closest they got to scoring as, despite spirited attempts, opportunities were few.
Indeed, the Foxes didn’t have a single effort on target until seven minutes from time when substitute Harvey Barnes forced Patricio into action.
That was about it as both sides look to the longer term.
Wolves are well into their season now, although it’s clear from previous experiences of other clubs that Europa League qualification can be an arduous trek which makes its customary demands on both early-season fitness and geographical knowledge.
Nonetheless,Nuno Espírito Santo has certainly made the most of investment from the Chinese owners who took over the club in 2016 and the influence of the agent Jorge Mendes. He has overseen extraordinary progress.
European qualification should be on Leicester’s map this season – their squad certainly looks good enough, despite the loss of Maguire. Perez should enjoy playing in a team which looks to attack, and Tielemans did more than enough last season to suggest that he’s tailor made for a footballing outfit.
Leicester have a squad full of energy, invention and versatility with Brendan Rodgers well placed to build on the useful work started by his predecessor, Claude Puel.
The future could be bright for both these two well run clubs.
The final word for an emotional moment as the crowd welcomed Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, formally named as chairman of Leicester City this week, succeeding his late father Vichai.
He received a huge round of applause in what a poignant moment.
Key statistics
Wolves won the most recent meeting 4-3 in January 2019, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Diogo Jota to complete his hat-trick.
Wolves are winless in 10 top-flight away fixtures against Leicester since a 2-1 victory at Filbert Street in December 1971 (drawn four, lost six).
This was a first meeting between the two clubs on the opening weekend of a season since a 1-1 draw at Leicester in 1934.
The Foxes are unbeaten in six games when beginning the campaign at home since a defeat by Blackpool in 2007 (won four, drawn one).
Leicester took 17 points from their last nine league fixtures in 2018-19 – a tally bettered only by the top two, Manchester City and Liverpool.
This was their third successive Premier League clean sheet at the King Power Stadium – for the first time since May 2017.
Wolves have only lost their opening league fixture once in the past decade (won five, drawn four, lost one).
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won just one of their last eight away Premier League games (drawn three, lost four).
This was the first time Wolves had played their opening top-flight game of the season on a Sunday.
What’s next?
Two big ones await next weekend.
Leicester travel to Chelsea for a real test of their credentials (August 18), while Wolves host Man Utd the following evening.
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