Premier League winners and losers: Water is wet, Arsenal lose at Stoke
By Ty Finch
Winner: Leicester City
Leicester suffered the most heartbreaking of losses on opening day of the Premier League. The Foxes lead two separate times away from home against Arsenal but could not put them away, eventually losing 4-3.
Against a side ripe for relegation in Brighton, Leicester shook off the opening day defeat in dominating fashion. Craig Shakespeare’s squad took the lead under a minute into the match and never wavered. Riyad Mahrez made his return to the side and promptly dribbled though Brighton’s defense for a shot on goal that was parried out to Shinji Okazaki to tapped it home. That would prove to be the winner. Brighton only managed five shots on the day, two being on target. They had more possession than Leicester but could not find a way to translate that into good chances.
New signing Harry Maguire recorded his first goal for the club as well, towering over the Brighton defense and heading in a corner from Mahrez. The Algerian still desires a move away from Leicester, but for now, supporters can enjoy his play.
This ended up being a classic performance from the Foxes. Brighton ended up with more possession, touches and passes but couldn’t find a way through the opposition’s stingy defense. While Leicester did not end up hitting the Seagulls on a patented count-attack goal, they defended well and made the most of their chances and set piece routines. They ended the match with a substantial difference in expected goals, and could be contenders for a Euro League spot if Mahrez stays.