Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson’s first return to Leicester City since leaving the club in 2015 ended in defeat with a 1-0 victory for his former team who moved back to the top of the Championship.
The match-winning goal came from Jamie Vardy, a player Pearson brought to the King Power Stadium 11 years ago.
When Pearson was in charge, for his second spell at the club, he kept Leicester up in their first season back in the Premier League before being sacked that summer. But he was credited with building the core of Claudio Ranieri’s squad that went on to win the Premier League title in 2016.
Now manager of Bristol City, Pearson came back to Leicester on crutches due to a back problem. But there were to be no celebrations as Vardy’s 67th-minute penalty, after Kai Naismith had brought down Wilfred Ndidi, set up Leicester’s seventh Championship win of the season, and their third in successive games.
Stephy Mavididi set the tone for the game after three minutes when he volleyed just wide from the edge of the area.
But Bristol frustrated Leicester after that, inviting Enzo Maresca’s men to break them down.
Abdul Fatawu, making his first start since joining Leicester on loan from Sporting Lisbon, produced a powerful drive after cutting in from the right, but goalkeeper Max O’Leary did well to parry the shot.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall then saw a goalbound shot blocked by Robins defender Kai Naismith after 30 minutes.
But, for all their possession, Leicester were let down by some poor decision making in the Bristol area.
Leicester maintained their pressure in the second half and almost took the lead after 55 minutes.
Fatawu’s cross was met by Dewsbury-Hall, whose close-range header was pushed out by O’Leary, and when Mavididi followed up, he had his shot blocked. A minute later, O’Leary had to be alert again to keep Mavididi out.
Pearson then made a triple substitution just before the hour mark.
But Leicester took the lead after 66 minutes when Ndidi was brought down by Naismith in the penalty area and Vardy converted from the penalty spot.
The striker then ran towards the travelling Bristol supporters, who had been taunting him before his penalty, and pointed to the name on his back.
It was a goal that relieved some of the tension at the King Power Stadium against a side that did not manage a shot on target until the final kick of the game.
Vardy’s goal was his third in the last five game in all competitions. But Jason Knight almost responded with an equaliser as his shot sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
Leicester had one last anxious moment as Bristol substitute Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s free-kick was comfortably held by goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
[(FK Bodo/Glimt) Strength]: 1. FK Bodo/Glimt are in strong form recently. With home field advantage this time, they are motivated to extend the winning record.2. FK Bodo/Glimt's 5 goals in the last game were scored by 4 players, which reveals their efficient squad.3. FK Bodo/Glimt hammered Stromsgodset 5-0 in the last away game. They kept unbeaten in 9 consecutive games.4. FK Bodo/Glimt kept unbea...
[(Beijing Guoan) Strength]: 1. In-form Beijing Guoan are currently on a 2-game winning streak.2. Beijing Guoan scored 10 goals in the last 5 games, averging 2 goals per game, with a full offense.3. Beijing Guoan won both of their only two encounters, being at an advantage.[(Beijing Guoan) Neutral]: 1. Beijing Guoan ended all the last 3 games with OVER, which reveals their open style.[(Beijing Guoa...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Alexander Isak vs. Newcastle It is all coming to an END. Onana or Bayındır ? Truly The Greatest example of "The Prince who NEVER became The King!" You wake up as Cristiano Ronaldo what is the first thing you are doing? Lamine Yamal's new Insta profile pic Mo Salah wins the PFA Player of the Year award for a record-breaking third time.A historic season Please...
Alonso provides update on Rodrygo's futureRodrygo remained an unused substitute in Real Madrid's season opener against Osasuna as Los Blancos clinched a narrow 1-0 win. Rodrygo has been linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu and thus his absence on the field raised some eyebrows.Providing an update on Rodrygo's situation, Xabi Alonso said: "Rodrygo? Nothing is happening. I count on Rodrygo...
Man City ready to do Ten Hag a favour at Bayer LeverkusenManchester City are ready to do a favour for former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.Now Bayer Leverkusen coach, Ten Hag has been pushing his new club to find him a new attacking midfielder.And Bayer have struck an agreement with City for a reinforcement, reports transfer journalist Matteo Moretto.City are ready to send Claudio Echever...
IN DETAIL: Juventus agree terms with PSG and Kolo MuaniJuventus are wrapping up the signing of PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.The France international is now joining Juve in a permanent transfer after a successful loan over the second-half of last season and also the Club World Cup.TMW says Juve have struck an agreement with PSG over a fee of €57m for Kolo Muani.The centre-forward has also se...
Arsenal defender has played his last game for the club as he prepares to leave this summerArsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is a target for AC Milan and Porto this summer as the club prepare to let him leave.The Poland international was left out of the Gunners squad that narrowly beat Manchester United 1-0 thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori set piece finish at Old Trafford on Sunday. Kiwior is nearing the...
Real Madrid keen for Alaba to find new clubReal Madrid are keen to find a new club for David Alaba.The 33 year-old is fully fit and available to coach Xabi Alonso.However, Xabi sees the veteran as only cover for his first-choice players and Alaba has been told playing chances will be limited this season.Indeed, given Alaba is among the club's highest paid players, management would be happier to se...
Chelsea's Xavi Simons Solution? RB Leipzig Step Up Talks For Christopher NkunkuRB Leipzig have reportedly intensified talks with Chelsea over Christopher Nkunku, a move that could unlock the Blues’ pursuit of Xavi Simons.Chelsea and RB Leipzig have been in talks over a move for Xavi Simons for several weeks, with the 22-year-old already agreeing personal terms.It’s understood the Premi...
Man United Make Goalkeeper Decision Amid Onana and Bayindir UncertaintyMan United are reportedly not expected to sign a new goalkeeper this summer despite ongoing issues with duo Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.Ruben Amorim was adamant that he didn’t ‘drop’ Onana, 29, for their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Sunday (Augst 17)."No, I didn’t drop Onana from the squad,...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 3 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 4 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 5 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 6 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 7 BVB, Monaco and Ajax go for unwanted West Ham midfielder Alvarez
- 8 TIPS - Gwangju FC VS Daejeon Hana Citizen
- 9 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 10 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer