Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoyed his first Premier League encounter in command of Leicester with a 3-1 victory over West Ham, while Crystal Palace defeated Ipswich 1-0 on Tuesday. Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss, and Patson Daka scored, giving Van Nistelrooy a perfect start to his new post shortly after leaving Manchester United. “On a long-term basis, we realize that performance needs to improve.
The Dutchman said he was “astonished” by the number of offers he received following his four-game stint as temporary United manager, which included two victories over Leicester.
Van Nistelrooy, a dangerous finisher in his playing days, watched with approval as Vardy scored after only 99 seconds at the King Power. The 37-year-old was first deemed offside, but a VAR review revealed he was clearly on track for his fifth goal of the season.
After his seventh defeat in 14 Premier League games, Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui faces more scrutiny. The visitors had the advantage of possession and 31 shots to Leicester’s eight but failed to convert.
“A frustrating night because we deserved much more today,” Lopetegui stated. “Normally we have to win this match but we didn’t because we didn’t score.” West Ham had a goal controversially ruled out when Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen slammed the ball into his net but was relieved to be granted a foul for a little touch from Tomas Soucek.
Conor Coady also cleared the line from Crysencio Summerville in the second half. However, Leicester remained a threat on the counter-attack, and their lead was extended when El Khannouss calmly stroked home Kasey McAteer’s pass.
Daka then hammered in to make it 3-0, before Niclas Fuellkrug scored a late consolation goal for West Ham. Victory moves Leicester up to 15th, four points above the relegation zone and two points behind 14th-placed West Ham.