Van Nistelrooy brings belief back to Leicester after his appointment as manager, guiding the team to a 3-1 victory over West Ham in his first match. This win has lifted the Foxes to 15th place in the Premier League, giving fans a renewed sense of optimism after a difficult start to the season.
Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper, who was sacked after just 12 Premier League matches. The Dutchman’s first experience with Leicester was a tough 4-1 defeat to Brentford, but his return to action at King Power Stadium on Tuesday saw a more positive result.
Leicester’s First Win Under Van Nistelrooy
Leicester’s Jamie Vardy gave the team an early lead with a goal just 98 seconds into the game, setting the tone for a vital win. Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka sealed the victory, ensuring Leicester’s climb to 15th in the Premier League. Van Nistelrooy was happy with the result, though he acknowledged there’s still work to be done, particularly in defense and possession.
Van Nistelrooy noted in a post-match interview, “We have to train and develop our defense, our counter-attack, our possession…lots of things to work on, but very happy with the three points.”
Vardy Continues Record-Breaking Run
Vardy’s quick goal against West Ham added another achievement to his growing list of records. The Leicester captain has now scored the first Premier League goal under six different Leicester City managers. He also broke Van Nistelrooy’s record for consecutive Premier League goals, a feat he achieved back in 2015.
After the match, Vardy reflected on the quick turnaround with Van Nistelrooy. “We’ve had one full day together. Some stuff worked, and some was rusty, but we’ve got more time to get things right,” he said.
A Strong Start for Van Nistelrooy
Despite the narrow victory, the performance was enough to restore some confidence in the Leicester squad. Conor Coady, Leicester’s defender, praised the team for their hard work. “It was all about winning, one for the manager. It’s a great start,” he said.
West Ham dominated the match statistically, with 31 shots, but Leicester’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing led to a well-earned win. Van Nistelrooy acknowledged West Ham’s dominance, but he praised his team’s fighting spirit.
Optimism for Leicester’s Future
For former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, the victory marked a turning point for Leicester. “What a result this is for Van Nistelrooy. He’s got a performance out of a team that lacked confidence,” Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s good signs for Leicester, and he’s made some big changes that could benefit them moving forward.”
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