Leicester 2-0 Brighton: Shinji Okazaki and Harry Maguire steer Foxes past Seagulls

By Michael Hincks

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Goals from Shinji Okazaki and Harry Maguire guided Leicester to a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Okazaki tapped in Leicester's opener after just 52 seconds, with Brighton goalkeeper Matt Ryan spilling Riyad Mahrez's effort into the forward's path.

Summer signing Maguire rose highest to head in Leicester's second after the break and score his first goal for the Foxes in the process.

Victory for the Craig Shakespeare's men is the perfect response after losing out to Arsenal in the opening game of the season, while Brighton are yet to score after two games of Premier League football.

Player Ratings

Leicester: Schmeichel (6), Simpson (6), Morgan (7), Maguire (8), Fuchs (6), Mahrez (8), Ndidi (8), James (7), Albrighton (7), Okazaki (8), Vardy (7)

Subs: Slimani (6), Gray (n/a)

Brighton: Ryan (6), Bruno (6), Dunk (6), Duffy (6), Suttner (5), Murphy (7), Propper (5), Stephens (6), March (6), Gross (5), Murray (6)

Subs: Knockaert (6), Hemed (6)

Man of the match: Harry Maguire

Leicester's brisk start was instigated by Mahrez, who had an enjoyable afternoon at the King Power after another week of headlines linking him with a move to Roma.

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Image: Riyad Mahrez grabbed an assist for Leicester - will the Algerian remain a Foxes player when the transfer window closes?

It was all too easy for the Algerian down the wing as he ghosted past Markus Suttner before unleashing his effort from the edge of the area - Ryan will be disappointed to have parried the shot straight to Okazaki, who was barely six yards out when he handed Leicester the lead.

The Foxes continued to dominate and it was Okazaki who then turned provider for Jamie Vardy, but the England striker saw his effort blocked before scuffing a second attempt.

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Team news

Craig Shakespeare named the same Leicester XI that lost 4-3 on the opening game of the Premier League season at Arsenal. Kelechi Iheanacho did not make the squad due to a toe injury.
Brighton made two changes with Glenn Murray and Jamie Murphy coming into the side. Izzy Brown (hamstring) is back with Chelsea to receive treatment, Tomor Hemed dropped to the bench.

The visitors grew into the game, but Jamie Murphy's blocked effort was as close as the Premier League newcomers came close to an equaliser in the first half.

After the break, it was Maguire - making his home debut for the Foxes - who grabbed the hosts' second in the 54th minute. The defender stole in ahead of centre-back partner Wes Morgan at the back post to nod in from Mahrez's corner.

Image: Harry Maguire beat team-mate Wes Morgan to the ball to head in Leicester's second on his home debut

Substitute Tomor Hemed then called Kasper Schmeichel into action for the first time after 73 minutes, but the Leicester 'keeper got down well to keep out the long-range effort.

That was as close as it got for Brighton, who have now lost their first two games upon their return to top-flight action.

Opta stats

  • Leicester City are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League home fixtures against newly-promoted sides, winning eight and drawing five.
  • Brighton have failed to score in four of their last five league games, netting only one goal in that time (v Aston Villa in May).
  • Shinji Okazaki's opener was the first goal scored within the first minute of a Premier League game this season (52 seconds).
  • Okazaki has scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time ever, with both of his goals coming within the first five minutes of games.
Craig Shakespeare praises 'professional' Riyad Mahrez after his performance helped them to a 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League

Man of the Match - Harry Maguire

The centre-back was everywhere. The 24-year-old was commanding in defence and a danger going forward. He is certainly not short of confidence with the ball at his feet, as shown in the second half when wriggling past a few challenges before being fouled by Bruno on the edge of the area.

The managers

Craig Shakespeare: "I've spoken about Riyad on many occasions in terms of his focus, his professionalism - and you saw today what he's capable of.

"While he remains focused and professional, he will always be considered for selection."

Chris Hughton gives his reaction to Brighton's defeat to Leicester in the Premier League

Chris Hughton: "What we're having to do is play our football in the best league, and players have to adapt to it, step up to the mark and show the quality which was the reason why we brought them in.

"It has been a tough start for us and we will need to be better."

What's next?

Both clubs are in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday. Leicester's trip to Sheffield United is live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, while Brighton host Sky Bet League Two side Barnet.

The Foxes then travel to Manchester United on Saturday, August 26 - Brighton are also in action that day at Watford.

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