The Ghana international was on the scoresheet once again, netting the decisive goal in Leicester’s 1-0 pre-season victory over Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg.

The strike comes on the back of another goal he scored against Belgian club OH Leuven, marking an encouraging start to the summer for the 33-year-old.

Reflecting on Leicester’s unbeaten pre-season run, Ayew praised the team’s commitment but admitted there’s still work to be done.

“So far, so good,” he told the club’s website. “We’ve been working really hard since the beginning and trying to implement what he [the manager] wants to do.

“It’s not perfect yet, but that’s what pre-season is for, and we’ll make sure we’re ready for Sheffield Wednesday.”

Ayew acknowledged the tactical difficulty posed by Zalaegerszeg, who defended deep and compact, but said overcoming such challenges is essential for success in the Championship.

“Tactically, they were deep and narrow, so it wasn’t easy for us, but we’re going to face this in the Championship; it won’t be easy, so we have to find solutions.

“With time and the manager’s ideas, we’ll start picking up speed.”

The former Crystal Palace striker also emphasized the need for more decisiveness in the final third.

“Sometimes as a striker, you need to force your way through, and that’s what I tried to do,” the forward continued. “I feel like we don’t sometimes take enough initiative.

“We sometimes play it around the box, but we need to shoot more. Luckily for me, today it went in.”

Looking ahead, Ayew said he remains grounded but determined.

“I’m always confident and positive as a player and as a person. Pre-season is for building that, but I’m humble, relaxed, and I just need to keep working to improve for the season coming.”

Under new manager Martí Cifuentes, Leicester will continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv on Friday, July 25.

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The 20-year-old had been sidelined for several months after sustaining a ligament injury while on international duty with Ghana in their 1-1 draw against Angola during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Issahaku made his first appearance since the setback, coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute to replace Will Alves.

Fellow Ghanaian Jordan Ayew scored the winning goal just two minutes later, capping off a powerful solo run with a clinical finish past goalkeeper Bence Gundel-Takács. It was Ayew’s second goal in as many preseason games, having also found the net against Belgian side Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OHL).

Leicester City, now managed by new head coach Marti Cifuentes, will continue their preseason preparations with back-to-back friendlies on Friday, July 25, against FC Karpaty Lviv and FC Köln.

While the Foxes prepare for life in the Championship, Issahaku’s return offers a timely boost to the squad ahead of the new campaign.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/leicester-part-company-with-manager-van-nistelrooy/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:23:41 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2549028 Ruud van Nistelrooy’s long-expected departure as Leicester City manager has been confirmed more than nine weeks after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League.

The 48-year-old Dutchman oversaw 19 defeats and managed just five wins from his 27 matches in charge of the East Midlands club last season.

Leicester’s relegation was confirmed with five matches of the campaign remaining, but the former PSV Eindhoven boss saw out the season and held on to the job for another month after it concluded.

The drawn out nature of Van Nistelrooy’s exit, which the Championship club says is “mutually agreed”, was described as “baffling” and “a mess” by former Foxes striker Matt Fryatt in early June.

Not only are the club now looking to regroup for their second season in the Championship in three years, they are also facing a potential points penalty for the upcoming season after being charged for allegedly breaching the English Football League’s financial rules.

Van Nistelrooy said he wanted to “wish the club well” for the future.

“I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club,” he told Leicester’s website.

Former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche has been heavily linked with replacing the Dutchman at the King Power Stadium before their return to England’s second tier.

First-team coaching staff will oversee the start of Leicester’s pre-season work while the Foxes hierarchy look to bring a new boss in for the start of the new campaign, which they begin against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, 10 August. Leicester were 16th in the table and one point above the relegation places when Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium.

Former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper was in charge for the first three months of the season, overseeing three wins and seven losses from 15 games in all competitions, after replacing Enzo Maresca, who left for Chelsea after winning the Championship title with the Foxes in 2023-24.

Two of the defeats that Cooper’s Foxes suffered came against a Manchester United team led by Van Nistelrooy as caretaker boss, the former Red Devils striker having stepped up from his former role as assistant manager at Old Trafford to temporarily replace compatriot Erik ten Hag.

Victory against West Ham in Van Nistelrooy’s first match in charge on 3 December gave him the ideal start, but three weeks later they were in the relegation zone.

And apart from a seven-day reprieve after beating Tottenham in late January, the Foxes spent the last five months of campaign in the bottom three where they eventually finished 13 points from safety in 18th spot.

The woeful end to the campaign was also one of record-setting proportions.

Their 1-0 defeat by Liverpool on 20 April, which condemned Van Nistelrooy’s side to the drop, meant that Leicester became the first team in English top-flight history to lose nine successive home games without scoring.

The 20-year-old missed the latter part of the recently concluded Premier League season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola in Luanda.

Speaking to Leicester City’s media team, Issahaku expressed confidence in his recovery progress.

“I have been working so hard. My rehab has been very good with the physios, the management, and the players. Everyone has been so supportive of me. I’ll be ready before pre-season,” he said.

“I can’t wait to be back on the field, running again, fighting for the badge as always,” he added.

The former Sporting CP winger had an impressive start to life in the Premier League, registering an assist against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend. By the end of 2024, he was ranked among the league’s top five dribblers.

However, Issahaku and his Leicester City teammates will now turn their focus to the English Sky Bet Championship following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Semenyo turned home from close range after Illia Zabarnyi nodded a corner across the box to finally break the deadlock for the Cherries in the 75th minute.

He then delivered a precise finish from the edge of the area, rifling in towards the near post, to add a late second and secure victory.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, who missed out on Europe after their form tailed off in the second half of the season, were on top throughout the game and condemned Leicester to yet another game without a clean sheet in the final fixture before returning to the Championship.

Leicester thought they had worked an early opener when Oliver Skipp turned home from a Kasey McAteer cross in the first half, but their goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

The video assistant referee (VAR) soon proved Leicester’s saviour, though, as Conor Coady evaded a red card after unnecessarily tripping Evanilson on the edge of the area.

VAR intervened once again to deny Bournemouth their opportunity to break the deadlock when Daniel Jebbison converted after a Semenyo cross hit Wout Faes, with the goal being disallowed as Semenyo’s delivery went out of play.

Leicester never really looked like doing much to threaten Bournemouth and Semenyo’s late goals earned the Cherries a result fitting of their display.

Argentina midfielder Facundo Buonanotte scored with eight minutes left on the clock to earn a point for the Foxes, who are already relegated.

Goals from striker Chris Wood and midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White had turned the game in Forest’s favour, after Conor Coady had given the Foxes the lead in the first half with his first Premier League goal for the club.

Victory would have enabled Forest to capitalise on Chelsea’s defeat by fellow Champions League hopefuls Newcastle earlier in the day.

But a draw leaves Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in seventh spot, one point behind fifth-placed Chelsea.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was in attendance at the City Ground and, clearly furious about the result, made his way on to the pitch to speak to manager Nuno Espirito Santo at full-time.

Announcing the news on Wednesday, the Foxes described Vardy as “our greatest ever player”.

The 38-year-old striker, who joined in 2012 from non-league side Fleetwood Town, is the club’s record Premier League scorer with 143, and in all competitions has scored 198 goals in 498 appearances.

Vardy scored 24 times in the 2015-16 Premier League campaign, helping Leicester to the first ever top-flight title in their history.

The former England international was also part of their 2021 FA Cup-winning side, when the Foxes beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley.

“To the fans of Leicester, I’m gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually,” said Vardy on a video posted by Leicester on social media.

“I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.

“It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.

“Leicester will always, always have a massive place in my heart.”

Leicester Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said: “Jamie is unique. He is a special player and an even more special person.

“He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection.

Vardy is the last remaining player from Leicester’s 2016 title success still at the King Power Stadium.

He remained with the Foxes after their relegation in 2023 and helped the club to an immediate return to the Premier League in 2024.

Vardy has managed seven goals in 30 league appearances this season.

He described the club’s season as “miserable” and a “total embarrassment” after the Foxes were relegated earlier this month.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are 19th in the table, having collected 18 points from their 33 matches.

The Foxes suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at the King Power Stadium, a result that sealed their immediate return to the second tier after just one season in the top flight.

Leicester’s fall marks a stunning decline for a club that captured the Premier League title in miraculous fashion less than a decade ago. After winning the Championship last season to secure promotion, the club’s troubles began early in the campaign and only worsened.

Steve Cooper took over as manager from Enzo Maresca, who departed for Chelsea in the summer, but was dismissed in November after guiding the team to just two wins, leaving them 17th and narrowly above the drop zone.

Cooper’s successor, Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy, has been unable to reverse the decline. Under his leadership, Leicester have lost 17 of their 21 league games, managing only two wins. A 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion last week ended a winless run stretching back to January.

Ipswich Town, one of Leicester’s fellow promoted teams, along with Southampton, are also staring at relegation. If confirmed, it would mark the second straight season where all three promoted clubs return immediately to the Championship.

Leicester City still have five Premier League matches remaining, but their fate has already been sealed.

Monga came off the bench in the 74th minute of Leicester’s 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle United on Monday.

At 15 years and 271 days old, Monga became the second-youngest player to play in the competition behind Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted at 15 years 181 days in September 2022.

But because Leicester’s home kit is sponsored by BC.GAME, an online cryptocurrency gaming platform, the England Under-16 winger could not wear it.

A review in 2020 of the Gambling Act 2005 – which the Premier League is committed to follow – prohibits players under the age of 18 from wearing kits displaying gambling sponsors.

“You could see glimpses of his great qualities. He’s a great winger and has speed,” Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said of Monga.

“He’s a fantastic talent, a great boy. He deserved these minutes and hopefully, more to come.”

Monga will turn 16 on 10 July and will be able to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in 2026.

Monga has largely played for Leicester’s Under-18s and Under-23s this season, while also making three appearances in the Football League Trophy.

He was an unused substitute in the Foxes’ 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat by Manchester United in February.

The other youngest players to appear in the Premier League are Harvey Elliott who played for Fulham at 16 years and 30 days old, Matthew Briggs who played for Fulham at 16 years 68 days, Isaiah Brown who represented West Brom at 16 years 117 days, and Aaron Lennon who was 16 years 129 days when he played for Leeds.

An eighth-straight league defeat without scoring leaves Leicester 19th in the table and 15 points adrift of safety with seven games remaining.

Blues boss Pep Guardiola was watching from the stands as Grealish – making his first league start since December – applied the finishing touch to a second-minute cutback from Savinho.

At least Guardiola, who is serving a touchline ban, saw the goal. Hundreds of home fans had not taken their seats by that point as part of a protest against anticipated season ticket price rises and a new commercial deal with ticket resale agency Viagogo.

Omar Marmoush, who led the hosts’ attack in place of the injured Erling Haaland, added a second just before the half-hour, rattling a first-time effort in off the underside of the bar when Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen failed to hold Ruben Dias’ chipped ball into the penalty area.

Amid a litany of sorry statistics, Leicester have now lost 14 of their past 15 league games and remain 12 points from safety, with just eight games to save themselves from an immediate return to the Championship.

They have become only the fourth side in English top-flight history to lose seven consecutive games without scoring, have conceded the first goal in 25 of their 30 games, and are still to keep a clean sheet away from home.

Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho also ended their goal droughts as United were comfortable winners at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester had failed to score in their previous five games coming into the tie and striker Jamie Vardy lacked sharpness as he steered a fourth-minute effort at goalkeeper Andre Onana.

United took hold of the first half with Christian Eriksen rattling the post with a curling effort before Garnacho ran through on goal and drilled his effort low into the net.

Garnacho was also looking to end his goal drought and saw a second-half effort chalked off by a very late off-side flag.

However, moments later Fernandes’ pass was deflected into his path to score United’s second goal.

Leicester pushed for a way back into the game but were met by a stubborn defence as Matthijs de Ligt rescued his side to deny Facundo Buonanotte.

United finished the evening in style with Fernandes curling home his side’s third goal.

The only dampener on the victory was the injury to teenage defender Ayden Heaven who was stretchered off the pitch following a first-half challenge.

It was the Spain left-back’s fifth goal of the season – and second in successive league games after netting against Southampton.

Cucurella’s crucial goal came on the hour mark, beating visiting keeper Mads Hermansen with a left-footed effort from 25 yards.

Chelsea had been frustrated until then, with Hermansen saving Cole Palmer’s penalty midway through the first half following a trip on Jadon Sancho by Victor Kristiansen.

The miss ended Palmer’s 100% record from the spot – having scored his previous 12 – and prolonged the playmaker’s goalless run to nine matches in all competitions.

Leicester impressed during the first half and came close to opening the scoring in bizarre circumstances when Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo headed against his own crossbar.

But that was as close as the Foxes came, with Enzo Maresca’s men improving after the break and claiming the winner to leapfrog Manchester City and take a two-point advantage over the reigning champions.

Defeat for Leicester left them second bottom in the table, behind 18th-placed Ipswich on goal difference and six points adrift of Wolves in 17th.

The Gunners’ striker shortage threatened to be exposed by the Foxes until Merino, on for the desperately out of sorts Raheem Sterling, stole in at the far post to break the deadlock.

Merino’s 81st-minute goal was created by Arsenal’s outstanding player, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who hit the woodwork twice in the second half and was their main threat throughout.

Spanish midfielder Merino then struck again at the far post three minutes from time to wrap up a vital win and keep Arsenal’s title pursuit on track.

It was tough on Leicester, who fought hard throughout and almost took the lead, only for Myles Lewis-Skelly to get a vital touch with Bobby de Cordova-Reid waiting to tap in Jordan Ayew’s cross.

Arsenal’s celebrations carried an element of relief as for a long time it looked like their lack of strikers, made worse by Kai Havert’s hamstring injury sustained on their break in Dubai, was threatening to undermine them – until Merino stepped up.

But, after his Leicester side were knocked out of the FA Cup by a controversial stoppage-time Harry Maguire header on his Old Trafford return on Friday, the Dutchman had a new way to describe such drama.

“We are not defeated in Fergie time, we are defeated in offside time,” the former Manchester United striker told ITV after his side were beaten in round four.

His frustration was that, with the scores level at 1-1 and the game in the third and final minute of injury-time and heading for 30 minutes of extra time, Maguire headed the winner, despite appearing to be offside when Bruno Fernandes sent a free-kick towards the back post.

But with no video assistant referee (VAR) at this stage of the FA Cup, it was down to the decision of the officials, who felt there was nothing wrong with the goal.

Having had a bit more time to digest the outcome when he faced the media around an hour after full-time, Van Nistelrooy was no calmer about the situation.

“We are gutted,” he said.

“When you prepare for the whole week for this game and reacting after the Everton loss and put in a performance like that but it is decided on a clear and obvious mistake, that is unacceptable and unthinkable at this level.

“We have nothing else to do but pick ourselves up. It is not what the team deserved.”

Why was VAR not in use?

Image caption: Ruud van Nistelrooy said Harry Maguire, the furthest Manchester United player from the ball at the far side of the penalty area in the above image, was “half a metre” offside

Having had time to analyse replays of the goal, VAR would most likely have overturned the on-pitch decision.

However, the Football Association announced in mid-December that the technology would not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round.

“VAR has only been used in the FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds because of the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation,” the FA said in a statement on 16 December.

“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted his side were fortunate with the decision, and feels it vindicates the use of VAR, even if his side benefited on this occassion from its absence.

“With VAR it’s not a goal,” he said.

“I think it’s important to have VAR because it’s fair for the game. It’s hard to lose like that with an offside play. But we deserve a little bit of luck.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane felt the debate is not over whether VAR is needed, but that it was a clear enough error that should have been picked up by the officials.

He said on ITV: “That’s a poor decision, the linesman [assistant referee] has got to see that.

“You have got to get those big decisions right.”

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright added: “Look where the linesman is. That impacts him [Van Nistelrooy] that impacts his managerial career because it’s another loss.

“That would have been a really big confidence booster for them. But they have to lift themselves, because of the officials.”

Van Nistelrooy added: “It is a hard one to take because the game was decided on a mistake.

“It is not a matter of VAR where you look at millimetres, it was half a metre, it was clear.”

Garnacho shines and Dorgu makes debut

Despite accepting the winner was cruel on his opponents, Amorim felt his side were in need of a bit of luck.

Manchester United have struggled for consistency since the Portuguese coach was appointed in November and while he and the club’s fans will have welcomed this win, there were still some causes for concern.

They were again poor in the first half, failing to manage a single shot on target as they fell behind to Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s opener.

Amorim gave January signing Patrick Dorgu his debut but played him at right-wing back, despite the 20-year-old being more often played at left-back.

Amorim was seen giving the former Lecce player a lot of instructions, before taking him off at half-time.

“I was trying to help Dorgu to manage the game,” he said. “He’s had three training sessions so it was hard for him.

“If you see the history of Dorgu he played a lot of games on the right side. Sometimes you need a left foot on the right side to come inside and connect in a different way.”

Dorgu was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho and his introduction changed the game in United’s favour. His pace down the left caused problems and he had a deflected shot superbly cleared off the line before sending in the cross that led to Joshua Zirkzee’s equaliser.

Garnacho had been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the winter window, but Amorim had appeared keen to keep hold of him and his impact in this game showed why.

“He made a big impact,” Maguire said.

“He always does that when he comes off the bench, so credit to him, he’s ready, he’s focused.”

The FA Cup fourth-round tie appeared set for extra-time after Joshua Zirkzee cancelled out Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s first-half header.

However, in the 93rd minute, an unmarked Maguire – who appeared to be in an offside position – nodded in Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick at the far post to send the hosts into round five.

Former United favourite Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford for the first time since his brief spell in interim charge, and his side drew first blood three minutes before half-time.

Bilal El Khannouss’ cross was met by Wilfred Ndidi, and Andre Onana could only parry his first-time shot onto the head of De Cordova-Reid, who nodded in.

Ruben Amorim’s side responded well after the break, with Caleb Okoli clearing off the line from Alejandro Garnacho.

But United were not to be denied in the 68th minute when Hojlund’s flick from a Garnacho cross ricocheted kindly for Zirkzee, who steered into an empty net.

And with extra-time looming, there was to be one last-gasp twist at the Stretford End. With VAR not deployed until the fifth round, United took advantage as Maguire converted from Fernandes’ delicious delivery.

The match was billed as a crucial bottom-of-the-table meeting but the Toffees’ brilliant first half helped send them 10 points clear of the relegation zone as the Foxes remain in real trouble, one point above the bottom three.

Abdoulaye Doucoure latched on to Jordan Pickford’s punt upfield and slid home a low finish after just 10.18 seconds to give David Moyes’ side a dream start.

The goal was the fastest ever scored by an Everton player and only Shane Long, Philip Billing and Ledley King have netted quicker in the competition.

It got even better for the hosts minutes later, helped by static Leicester defending as Beto ran onto James Tarkowski’s ball through the middle of the park and converted past Mads Hermansen.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men were all over the place and were fortunate not to concede another on 20 minutes when Jake O’Brien poked home at the far post, but the towering defender was flagged offside.

The game was effectively over as a contest before half-time as James Garner’s pass sliced through the Leicester defence and Beto side-footed home a cool finish.

Everton controlled the game in the second half and barely allowed Leicester a sniff, as Iliman Ndiaye slotted home a late fourth for three consecutive victories.

The Foxes, trailing 1-0 at half-time, scored twice in four minutes after the break through Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss to end a run of seven consecutive defeats in the Premier League.

Brazil striker Richarlison had opened the scoring for Spurs just after the half-hour mark, heading in a brilliant cross from defender Pedro Porro.

Leicester captain Vardy equalised from close range a minute into the second half when goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to deal with Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s cross.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side were ahead four minutes later when midfielder El Khannouss curled in a fantastic effort from 25 yards into the bottom corner.

Spurs poured forward in search of an equaliser but their failure to find one means Ange Postecoglou’s side have won just one of their past 11 matches in the Premier League, leaving them in 15th.

Leicester’s win lifts the Foxes into 17th, one point above Wolves – who drop into the bottom three as a result.

Spurs fans turn on chairman Levy

The anger inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was palpable before Leicester’s comeback.

Thursday’s 3-2 win against Hoffenheim in the Europa League had done little to alleviate the pressure on chairman Daniel Levy.

There were chants against Levy from the travelling support in Germany but the animosity towards him reached new levels in north London, as the home fans made their feelings known about the club’s progress – or lack of – under his stewardship.

As results have worsened over the past few weeks, the pressure has also increased on Postecoglou.

But it is clear, from the view of supporters at least, that they feel the problems at the club run far deeper.

If the chants were audible when Spurs were winning, they ramped up a notch or two as Leicester took a grip on the game.

The Foxes were in freefall before arriving in north London, with manager Van Nistelrooy said to be clinging on to his job.

That their victory appeared so comfortable is an indictment not only of Postecoglou, but of the team built by Levy.

While Postecoglou may be running out of credit – Spurs are 15th and have collected five points from the past 33 available – it was Levy who bore the brunt of supporters’ anger within the ground.

While results are the main reason for supporter fury, the inactivity of the club in the transfer window is only making things worse.

Czech goalkeeper Kinsky remains Spurs’ only signing of the January transfer window.

Postecoglou urged the club to show “urgency” in the market after the defeat by Everton last weekend.

With eight days left in the transfer window, both Postecoglou and Levy are in need of help.

Van Nistelrooy gets response – and result – he needed

If Postecoglou has been feeling the heat, spare a thought for Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman had guided Leicester to just one league victory in nine matches since taking the hot seat at King Power Stadium.

His Leicester side had lost seven league games on the bounce, and defeat in north London would have seen them match a club record of eight consecutive defeats, which was set in 2001.

Reports in the week claimed the former Manchester United forward had a bust-up with midfielder Facundo Buonanotte after the Foxes’ defeat by Fulham last week.

Put simply, the pressure was building.

Even with Spurs in the form they are in, few expected Leicester to leave the capital with three points.

But Van Nistelrooy got the performance – and consequently the result – he has been craving from his players.

The former PSV Eindhoven boss has been frustrated with individual errors and lapses in concentration in previous games, which he feels have undermined results.

But their display here was the full package for 97 minutes.

Vardy, 38, was a constant threat in behind and didn’t allow Spurs’ defence to build from the back when Leicester were out of possession.

He got his eighth goal of the season by gambling – as he always does – with a run into the six-yard box.

The former England striker celebrated like he did when he scored against Spurs in the reverse fixture earlier this season – pointing to the Premier League badge on his arm to remind supporters that he won the league title in 2016.

In goal, Jakub Stolarczyk made a number of saves in the first half to keep Leicester within striking distance.

It was notable that Van Nistelrooy made a beeline for the Polish goalkeeper on the pitch afterwards.

In truth, though, Spurs did not threaten the Leicester goal too much after the Foxes took the lead. Leicester dropped deeper and Spurs applied pressure, but at no point did it feel like an equaliser was inevitable.

Van Nistelrooy’s delight was clear. Not only had he managed to get a tune out of his players, but the result takes the Foxes out of the bottom three.

Leicester, who remain 19th in the table, have lost seven of the nine league games the Dutchman has been in charge for.

On his 100th appearance in the Premier League, Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring for the visitors just after half-time with a brave diving header.

Harry Wilson’s ball across the box was flicked on by Sasa Lukic and the former Arsenal midfielder threw himself in front of Jakub Stolarczyk to score his fourth of the season.

Substitute Adama Traore secured the points for Marco Silva’s side in the 68th minute when his brilliant side-footed volley flew past Stolarczyk into the bottom corner.

Boos, and shouts of “you don’t know what you’re doing”, were aimed at Van Nistelrooy when he substituted forward Bilal el Khannouss in the second half.

After Smith Rowe’s opener, Raul Jimenez missed a huge opportunity to double Fulham’s lead but he could only direct his header wide.

Both teams had a case for a penalty, with Boubakary Soumare going down for Leicester before Traore’s appeals were waved away.

Substitute Rodrigo Muniz looked to make it 3-0 with minutes to play but his effort went the wrong side of the post.

The Foxes remain on 14 points – two points adrift of safety – and face a trip to Tottenham next, while Fulham move up to ninth.

Savinho and Erling Haaland gave the floundering defending champions just a second win in their last 10 Premier League games.

It was still not enough to lift them back into the top four, instead leaving them fifth and 11 points behind leaders Liverpool before the Reds’ trip to West Ham later on Sunday.

Guardiola had promised not to give up amid the worst run of his managerial career but the visitors lived dangerously at the King Power Stadium with Jamie Vardy twice going close and Facundo Buonanotte hitting the post for the Foxes.

Confidence clearly needs to be rebuilt at City but it was good enough to beat a Leicester side who are fading after a promising start under Ruud van Nistelrooy.

It is now four straight defeats for the Foxes and five in seven games since Steve Cooper was sacked in November which leaves them in the relegation zone.

Vardy had the hosts’ best first-half chance, thwarted by Stefan Ortega after Josko Gvardiol’s mistake, before Buonanotte’s header rebounded off the post but by then they were already trailing to Savinho’s 21st-minute goal – his first for City.

Goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, who denied Haaland early, parried Phil Foden’s shot and winger Savinho fired in high from six yards.

Leicester still sensed they could exploit City’s brittle backline and James Justin came close to a second-half leveller, only for Manuel Akanji to hack clear.

Vardy – who also hit the bar late on – then fired over from six yards before Haaland ended any hopes of a comeback, heading in Savinho’s cross with 16 minutes left.

The Ghana international, who suffered a knee injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola in Luanda, has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old recently underwent successful surgery and is expected to make his return next season.

The injury occurred before Van Nistelrooy’s appointment as Leicester City’s manager, but the Dutchman acknowledged the significant impact of Issahaku’s absence.

“Of course, you need some luck. I think keeping our best players fit is crucial,” the former Manchester United coach said.

“Losing Fatawu to a cruciate injury just a week before I started was a big blow. It’s a massive loss for this team,” he added.

Before his injury, Issahaku had made six Premier League starts, providing two assists and establishing himself as a promising talent in the squad.

Leicester City will now prepare to face Manchester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, as they aim to regroup and continue their campaign without the influential winger.

The Foxes, who visited Anfield on Thursday night, got off to a strong start when Ayew scored an early goal. However, Liverpool mounted a comeback to secure victory.

Reflecting on the game, Ayew said, “We need to adjust better. We started the second half not too well because they were on top of us. We could’ve done better decisions as a team but we will learn from this key moment.”

Despite the loss, Ayew remained optimistic about the team’s progress.

“Overall, I’m proud of the boys, I’m proud of the fighting spirit, the character and the mentality, if we keep on like this, we will be fine in the league,” he added.

Since joining Leicester City from Crystal Palace in the summer, Ayew has been a standout performer, scoring five goals and providing an assist in 20 appearances across all competitions.

The forward will look to lead his side when Leicester hosts Manchester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

Leicester had lost five of their previous seven matches but stunned Anfield by taking the lead through Jordan Ayew’s sharp sixth-minute finish.

Liverpool endured a frustrating half as Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah hit the post and crossbar respectively before Cody Gakpo levelled right on the stroke of half-time with a lovely curling finish from the edge of the box.

That lifted the hosts who took the lead for the first time just four minutes into the second half, Curtis Jones marking his 100th Premier League appearance by turning in Alexis Mac Allister’s cross.

Leicester, who dropped into the relegation zone after Wolves’ win over Manchester United earlier in the day, missed a golden opportunity to equalise when Patson Daka mis-kicked in front of goal before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points when he swept home the third goal – his 19th of the season.

While they are one point from safety after a third straight defeat, Liverpool are in a commanding position at the top, with a game in hand on the two teams immediately below them.

With Liverpool next in action on Sunday at West Ham (17:15 GMT), they have an opportunity to open up a 10-point lead on nearest rivals Chelsea, who are not in action until the following day at Ipswich (19:45).

Fatawu Issahaku, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation, has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury during Ghana’s Matchday Five clash against Angola in Luanda as part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Unfortunately, this injury also rules him out of Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar scheduled for March next year.

On a brighter note, Jordan Ayew has made a full recovery and rejoined Leicester City after overcoming an injury he picked up during Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against Angola on November 16, 2024.

Coach Addo’s visit highlights his dedication to both the well-being and progress of national team players, whether they are actively competing or on the road to recovery.

The Dutchman was appointed on Friday to replace Steve Cooper, who was sacked after just 12 Premier League matches in charge of Leicester.

Van Nistelrooy watched his new side fall to a 4-1 thumping by Brentford alongside Leicester owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha from the stands on Sunday.

However, his first game in charge got off to the perfect start on Tuesday as Jamie Vardy’s early opener helped the Foxes on their way to a 3-1 win at King Power Stadium.

“In the end you look at the result and the three points, in the position that we are in, it’s vital,” Van Nistelrooy, 48, said.

“We know the level in the Premier League and we know every game we play that everything has to be right. We have to train and develop our defence, our counter attack, our possession.

“Lots of things to work on but very happy with the three points.”

The win moves Leicester up to 15th in the Premier League, two points behind the Hammers.

“The third day working at the club, it’s been very busy getting to know everyone. Everybody was involved with that and helping, it was busy and long days but worth it,” Van Nistelrooy said in a post-match news conference.

“I was focused on the moment and today I will get myself a little beer and reflect on the last three days.”

Graham Potter, the former Brighton and Chelsea boss, said it was the “perfect start” and means the supporters will have “that trust and belief in the new manager and that is so important”.

“You can do all the talking you want but if the players actually believe him and follow what he is saying then it can be very powerful,” he told Amazon Prime. “The best way to get belief is by winning football matches.”

Vardy extends goal record under new managers

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Vardy has scored five Premier League goals this season

Leicester captain Vardy pounced after just 98 seconds in Van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge, before Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka struck to seal victory.

Vardy has now scored the first Premier League goal under six Leicester City managers in the top flight.

It was also Vardy who broke Van Nistelrooy’s record for scoring in consecutive Premier League games when he achieved 11 in a row for Leicester back in 2015.

Van Nistelrooy joked about it on Monday, and he said he told Vardy they had a “big issue” to get out of the way before they could start working together.

“We’ve had one full day together. You could see some stuff worked and some was rusty. We’ve got more time for the manager to get his things across,” Vardy told Amazon Prime after Tuesday’s win.

Leicester defender Conor Coady added: “The lads put in a great shift. We can play better. It was all about winning, it was one for the manager.

“The weekend was a dark place but you have to dig deep. We’ve got a long way to go but it’s a great start.”

‘Good signs for Leicester’

West Ham had 31 shots in this match, their highest tally on record since 2005-06.

The last time an away team had more shots and lost was Chelsea against Birmingham in 2010.

Niclas Fullkrug nodded home a consolation for the visitors, but Danny Ings hit the post with a header, Jarrod Bowen spurned several chances, while Coady cleared off the line from Crysencio Summerville.

“The result is what matters, but I have also seen the game and West Ham were dominant,” Van Nistelrooy told Match of the Day.

“I think our fighting spirit got us through the game and we were effective in scoring. A great night.”

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “What a result this is for Ruud van Nistelrooy. We were talking about a Leicester team devoid of confidence and ideas before the game, but he’s got a performance out of that group tonight.

“But there’s something there for Van Nistelrooy to work on and what he’s seen tonight would have given him a lot of delight.

“He’s made some big changes. His in-game substitutions and management looks good. It’s good signs for Leicester.”

Striker Vardy pounced after just 98 seconds in Van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge, before Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka struck to seal victory for the hosts.

The Foxes moved up to 15th in the Premier League, two points behind the Hammers, but lived dangerously and needed goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to frustrate the visitors with a string of fine saves.

Niclas Fullkrug nodded home a consolation for the visitors in stoppage time.

But the pressure will remain on boss Lopetegui as he struggles to find a solution for success with the Hammers.

With just three wins from their last 12 top-flight games, Hammers fans vented their anger at the manager, but Lopetegui claimed not to have heard.

“I am a coach, I’m not aware of what happened around me,” he said. “I think we had a good match talking about football but talking about the score, no.

“We have to improve to be more effective in the opposite box and improve our consistency. I’m sure we are able to achieve this in the next challenge.

“There are a lot of matches in front of us and a lot of points, a lot of things which will happen. I believe in these players.”

Van Nistelrooy, who was appointed on Friday to replace Steve Cooper, has said he was not a romantic manager who will put style in front of results.

But the King Power Stadium will soon fall in love with the Dutchman if he continues to bring out the Foxes’ fighting spirit.

They relied on a gritty display against the Hammers, but also owed much to the wastefulness of the visitors.

Danny Ings hit the post with a close-range header, Jarrod Bowen spurned several chances, while Leicester defender Conor Coady cleared off the line from Crysencio Summerville.

After Vardy’s second-minute opener – although the Foxes needed to wait over two minutes for the video assistant referee (VAR) to rule the striker onside after he raced on to El Khannouss’ ball – keeper Lukasz Fabianski denied the veteran forward again, before the Hammers took control.

After Ings hit the woodwork, Bowen was twice denied by the excellent Hermansen.

The Hammers thought they had levelled after the break when Hermansen punched the ball into his own net as he tried to deal with a hanging ball, but Tomas Soucek was ruled to have fouled the goalkeeper in the build-up.

Almost immediately, Leicester broke and grabbed a crucial second in the 61st minute when Moroccan El Khannouss found the corner from Kasey McAteer’s pass for his first league goal.

Fabianski’s fine save stopped Wilfred Ndidi from adding a third, before Coady kept out Summerville’s bundled effort to keep his side in control.

Bobby de Cordova-Reid had another late Foxes strike ruled out for offside by VAR, but Daka wrapped up a dream night for Van Nistelrooy when he broke away in the 90th minute and rifled high into the net.

Fullkrug’s headed finish from Summerville’s corner was his first Hammers goal, but mattered little to the outcome as his side slipped to a disappointing seventh defeat in 14 league games.

The former Netherlands striker replaced Steve Cooper on Friday on a deal until 2027, but said he could have gone elsewhere.

He was in interim charge for four games at Old Trafford, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, before leaving when Ruben Amorim was appointed last month.

Leicester moved quickly to bring the 48-year-old to King Power Stadium, and Van Nistelrooy confirmed he had options.

“I have to say there were offers there and possibilities. It’s good to have them and look and be critical on where you’re going to work,” said the Dutchman.

“What happened after the games and the amount of interest, the options that all of a sudden were there for me and the options that came along, I was a little bit astonished.

“I went into conversations with Leicester because I thought, having spoken to other people, it was a great opportunity to get to know each other.

“It was a good feeling and in the end both parties felt it. That was a good reason to start working together.”

Van Nistelrooy was in charge at PSV Eindhoven in 2022-23, winning the Dutch Cup and finishing second in the Eredivisie, while he has also gained experience coaching the Netherlands and PSV Under-19s.

“It was four games [at United] and I managed a full season at PSV, was able to win the cup and the charity shield. I have been in coaching, in the 19s and the national [team] and it never got this reaction from the football world,” he added.

“It provoked these reactions – and I was only happy with that.”

He takes over with Leicester 16th in the Premier League, a point above the bottom three, before Tuesday’s visit of West Ham (20:15 GMT).

Van Nistelrooy watched Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Brentford from the stands and is already clear of the target this season.

He said: “The expectations are clear, they are not easy but they are clear. It is something we face, that challenge to maintain and play in the Premier League and that is the big target for everybody.”

Van Nistelrooy will link up with striker Jamie Vardy, who broke his record for scoring in consecutive Premier League games when he netted in 11 matches in row in 2015-16, on the way to winning the title.

“It’s a problem, of course, that he broke my record!” said Van Nistelrooy.

“I told him straight away ‘we have a big issue we need to get out of the way before we can even start together’.

“I think I beat him to it. Of course back in the day I made a tweet about breaking the record and wishing him well, and then nine years later – it’s weird how things go sometimes.”

The Dutchman replaces Steve Cooper, who was sacked last weekend after just 12 Premier League matches in charge of the Foxes.

He has signed a contract until June 2027 at the King Power Stadium.

“I’m proud, I’m excited,” Van Nistelrooy, 48, said.

“Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive.

“I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club.”

Leicester are 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone, and go to Brentford on Saturday.

First-team coach Ben Dawson will take charge of the side in west London before Van Nistelrooy leads the Foxes for the first time against West Ham at home on 3 December.

Van Nistelrooy’s appointment comes two weeks after he left his role as interim head coach at Manchester United, following Ruben Amorim’s arrival.

He oversaw three wins and one draw during his four-game stint in charge at United, with two of the victories coming against Leicester in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

The Dutchman’s only previous role in senior management was with former club PSV Eindhoven, who he led to second place in the Eredivisie in 2022-23.

Van Nistelrooy left PSV before the end of that season, citing a “lack of support within the club”.

After a year out, Van Nistelrooy joined Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Old Trafford in the summer, having spoken to Burnley about replacing Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor at the end of last season.

Van Nistelrooy said United was the only club he would have considered joining in an assistant manager’s capacity, having scored 150 goals in 219 games for them during a five-year spell before he moved to Real Madrid in 2006.

Cooper, meanwhile, was dismissed after just 157 days in the job.

Leicester City chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, added: “Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us.

“We look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our club.”

The 48-year-old Dutchman would replace Steve Cooper, who was sacked after just 157 days in charge following Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat by Chelsea.

Van Nistelrooy’s appointment comes two weeks after he left his role as interim head coach at Manchester United, following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

He oversaw three wins and one draw during his stint in charge at United, but departed after being told he would not be given a role in new manager Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff.

Two of Van Nistelrooy’s victories were against Leicester – a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup last 16 and a 3-0 triumph in the Premier League earlier this month.

The former Manchester United and Netherlands striker will join the Foxes with the club 16th in the Premier League after 12 games and just one point above the relegation zone.

Cooper was hired this summer to replace Enzo Maresca after the Italian joined Chelsea, but only won two Premier League games.

Van Nistelrooy’s only previous full-time role managing a senior side was a season in charge of PSV in 2022-23 where he won the Dutch Cup, before joining United as an assistant coach in July.

Leicester’s next game is away at Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League and while it is unclear if Van Nistelrooy will be in the dugout, the proximity to the weekend means it is unlikely he will take charge of the team.

Leicester caretaker manager Ben Dawson, part of Cooper’s backroom staff, remains poised to lead the side.

Van Nistelrooy must win over a dressing room which struggled to buy into Cooper’s methods during his period in charge.

Senior players, including Jamie Vardy, did support the former Nottingham Forest boss but he lacked buy-in from the entire squad.

The Foxes were beaten 2-1 by a Chelsea side managed by former boss Enzo Maresca on Saturday – a defeat which left them two points above the relegation zone.

Cooper took over from Maresca in the summer after the Italian had led Leicester to the 2023-24 Championship title and promotion back into the Premier League.

“Men’s first team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible,” said a Leicester statement.

Cooper took over at Leicester following a stint in charge at Nottingham Forest, who sacked him in December 2023.

The 44-year-old guided Forest to promotion into the top flight in 2022 and, after having kept them in the division the following season, he was dismissed midway through 2023-24 with the club in 17th spot.

Cooper, who guided England’s Under-17s to victory at the 2017 World Cup, also had a two-year spell in charge of Swansea, taking them to the Championship play-off final in 2021 where they lost to Brentford.

Jackson, 23, scored his fifth goal in four consecutive away games as he outbattled defender Wout Faes to win a long punt up field, which he finished well after Fernandez played him into position in the 15th minute.

Fernandez then headed in from close range on the rebound, after goalkeeper Mads Hermansen saved Jackson’s initial effort, to seal the win.

Jordan Ayew dispatched a late penalty for Leicester in the 95th minute after Romeo Lavia fouled Bobby de Cordova-Reid in the box.

The Blues were dominant on a cold, wet afternoon at the King Power stadium, with over 66% possession throughout the 90 minutes.

It was a torrid return to Premier League football for Leicester, who lost star midfielder Harry Winks through an ankle injury in the 11th minute.

They didn’t muster a shot on goal until the 39th minute, when Kasey McAteer almost found the bottom corner on the break, then Wilfred Ndidi missed a great chance just before half-time.

But Chelsea were commanding. Noni Madueke had a goal ruled out for offside and squandered chances through Moises Caicedo and Joao Felix, who earned his first Premier League start since his last spell with the club in May 2023.

Cole Palmer also saw a close range shot cleared off the line by his own man Madueke in unfortunate circumstances shortly after half-time.

Chelsea move up to third in the Premier League table on 22 points before the rest of the weekend’s games, with Leicester remaining 16th on 10 points.

The promising winger suffered a knee injury during the first half of Ghana’s penultimate 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola in Luanda and was withdrawn at halftime.

The 20-year-old has been diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a significant setback for both the player and the club.

Cooper, speaking to the press ahead of their game against Chelsea on Saturday, described the injury as a big blow to the club and the player.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury. He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season,” Cooper lamented.

“It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sports and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury.

“For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn,” said Cooper.

Fatawu was instrumental for the Foxes last season, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back as a stronger player and person, which, with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” Cooper added.

Issahaku has registered 2 assists in 11 league appearances so far this season for Leicester City.

Fatawu was withdrawn at halftime after experiencing discomfort in his knee.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed that the Leicester City player had “significant issues with his knee” and was not included in Ghana’s second game against Niger.

The 20-year-old took to Instagram to share news of his successful surgery, writing:

“All glory be to Almighty Allah. My surgery was successful, and I just want to tell you that I am okay and feeling good.

I want to thank everyone for your best wishes.”

Fatawu has registered 2 assists in 11 league appearances so far this season for Leicester City.

It remains uncertain whether Abdul Fatawu Issahaku will recover in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, where Ghana is set to face Chad and Madagascar.

Fernandes scored the opener and claimed a second – which went down as a Victor Kristiansen own goal – before setting up Alejandro Garnacho for an excellent third as United completed a third win in four games since Erik ten Hag was sacked.

It provides a positive platform for new head coach Ruben Amorim to fly into England on Monday, although it will be a couple of days before the Sporting boss gets his visa so he can officially start work.

United are still to confirm the precise nature of Amorim’s backroom team and whether Van Nistelrooy will be part of it.

However, the home fans serenaded Van Nistelrooy at the final whistle and the Dutchman can be pleased with the return of three wins and a draw from four games, even if United remain in the bottom half of the table.

Leicester will feel hard done by.

Fernandes’ opener was United’s first shot on target. The home side’s second came after a period of intense Leicester pressure, during which Wilfred Ndidi wasted a glorious chance to level when he beat the offside trap but hit his shot straight at Andre Onana when he only had the United keeper to beat.

After that it was a case of damage limitation for the visitors, who suffered their heaviest league defeat of the season.

Ayew scored a crucial stoppage-time goal in the Foxes’ 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

This marked his second consecutive late goal, having previously netted a last-minute winner in Leicester’s 3-2 comeback victory over Southampton, where he came on in the 68th minute.

Although Ayew has been impactful off the bench, he has yet to earn a place in the starting lineup. Cooper expressed the difficulty of excluding Ayew from the first team, emphasizing that the player does not wish to be defined as a “super-sub.”

“He won’t want that to be his Leicester career,” said Cooper. “It’s tough not starting him, to be honest.”

Cooper explained his tactical decision to keep Ayew on the bench against Ipswich, stating that the team required two wingers to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.

“We felt we needed the two wingers at the start of the game. We felt we could hurt Ipswich down the sides,” he said. “They block off the middle and give you the sides, and we wanted to take it to get our wide players in places where they could make a difference. So, we went with Abdul and Stephy.

“And then we feel Vards [Jamie Vardy] is playing well and is good for a goal at the moment. So, it was tough to leave Jordan out, but at the same time, it was brilliant to bring him on.

“The lads who came on did well and made a difference. The lads who stayed on and came off also contributed as well,” he added.

Since joining Leicester City from Crystal Palace last summer, Ayew has made 11 appearances and scored three goals. He will be looking to continue his strong performance when Leicester City faces Manchester United at Old Trafford this Sunday.

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Ayew played a one-two with Jamie Vardy and shot past Arijanet Muric to rescue a point for the visitors.

Leif Davis’ superb first-time volley had looked like giving Ipswich all three points.

But the home side, who had Kalvin Phillips sent off for a second bookable offence after a late challenge on Ricardo Pereira with 12 minutes remaining, failed to see out the win and Ipswich remain in the bottom three.

They have now dropped 12 points from winning positions, the most of any team in the league.

The Tractor Boys have registered five draws and five losses in their opening 10 games, the club’s longest winless run at the start of a top-flight campaign.

The winger did not feature in the Foxes’ Carabao Cup Fourth Round match against Manchester United, where they suffered a 5-2 defeat.

In a press conference on Thursday, Cooper provided an update on Issahaku’s condition.

“We’ve had a really good morning’s work,” he said. “Through the frustration and annoyance of how the game went, it’s been turned into a positive motivation for the next game, and that’s where we’re at.

“You pick a team that you think is the best fit to deliver a plan to win a game. That doesn’t necessarily mean the players who played last night won’t play again at the weekend or vice versa. We’ve picked up a couple of knocks this week.

“Abdul was not available for the game last night due to a groin issue. We had a few enforced changes last night, but just because we went one way last night, it doesn’t mean we won’t go a certain way at the weekend,” he added.

Issahaku has featured in nine Premier League matches this season, contributing two assists.

Currently, Leicester City sits in 15th place in the league table with nine points from nine games.

However, Cooper’s side is determined to climb higher in the coming weeks as they aim to establish themselves in the top flight.

Two days after Van Nistelrooy was appointed as stand-in following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, his pre-match demand for entertainment was met in full.

Casemiro started the fun with a sensational long-range strike and by half-time the Brazilian had another as he followed up an initial header that bounced off both posts by driving home from eight yards.

In between those efforts, Alejandro Garnacho fired home his fifth goal of the season and skipper Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick deflected in off Leicester full-back James Justin.

It wasn’t perfect from the hosts as old defensive frailties returned to allow Bilal El Khannouss and Conor Coady to score before half-time. The latter effort came after the ball had struck Diogo Dalot and bounced invitingly for the former England man to apply the first-time finish.

But in front of Sir Alex Ferguson, back at Old Trafford for the first time since being told he was being stripped of his paid ambassadorial role, and United’s powerbrokers who are aiming to replace Ten Hag with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, the hosts always had an element of control.

Fernandes added a fifth on 59 minutes when he took maximum advantage of Caleb Okoli’s under-hit backpass.

Issahaku came off the bench to help turn the tide for the Foxes, who were trailing by two goals at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. His presence on the field was instrumental in Leicester’s remarkable 3-2 win.

The Ghana international made an immediate impact, assisting Facundo Buonanotte’s goal in the 64th minute to kickstart Leicester’s comeback.

He almost found the net himself with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar, just before Jamie Vardy equalized from the penalty spot.

The game was ultimately decided in stoppage time when Jordan Ayew, another Ghanaian, scored the winning goal for the visitors.

During his 31-minute cameo, Issahaku had the most touches in the opposition’s box, constantly posing a threat down the right flank and shifting the momentum in Leicester’s favour.

Below is the Team of Week 8

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku will hope to keep his place in the squad when they host Nottingham Forest on Friday night at the King Power Stadium.

After the match, Ayew praised his teammates and emphasized their commitment to continual progress.

“I was quite positive after we got the first goal,” the Ghana international told the club website. “I was positive that we could come back and why not win the game? And that’s what happened. We let ourselves down a little bit in the first half and it’s the game, that’s part of it.”

He acknowledged that while the team is not yet perfect and has areas to work on, their primary goal remains winning.

“We’re not perfect, we’re still working on a lot of things but the most important thing is that we go to win, and we managed to find a way today to win, and that’s positive, that’s a good sign as well.”

Ayew also recognized the challenges that lie ahead this season but highlighted the hard work being put into training.

“We know the season is going to be difficult, but we’re working hard in training and we’re gaining the rewards and with time hopefully we will improve. We will get better and better and it will be positive for us,” he added.”

The match saw Southampton take an early lead, with Cameron Archer scoring in the eighth minute, followed by Joe Aribo doubling the advantage 20 minutes later.

However, Leicester staged a remarkable comeback, with Facundo Buonanotte pulling one back in the 64th minute.

Ryan Fraser received a red card and conceded a penalty, which Jamie Vardy converted. Ayew capped the comeback with a low shot into the bottom corner in the eighth minute of stoppage time, securing Leicester’s second consecutive win.

As Leicester prepares to face Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium on Friday night, Ayew will be eager to maintain his spot in the starting lineup.

Ayew scored in the 98th minute on Saturday to seal a 3-2 comeback win for Steve Cooper’s team at the St. Mary’s.

Cameron Archer opened the scoring in the eighth minute, and just before the 30th minute, Joe Aribo doubled the lead for Southampton to end the first half 2-0.

Facundo Buonanotte pulled one back for Leicester in the 64th minute, bundling home Abdul Fatawu’s cutback.

Jamie Vardy then equalised from the penalty spot after Ryan Fraser was shown a red card and conceded a penalty.

In the dying moments of the game, Ayew found the net, drilling the ball through a crowded box to seal the comeback.

Reflecting on the game, Ayew attributed his goal to instinct and described it as a great moment.

“It was my natural instinct. As Premier League players, we need to improvise in certain situations, and that’s what I did. Sometimes you work on it in training, and it doesn’t happen in the game, but this time, it worked,” the Ghana striker said.

“It was a special moment because it’s my first goal for the club in the league. I believe in myself and my abilities. I know I can bring a lot to the team,” he added.

Jordan Ayew will hope to keep his place in the team when Leicester City host Nottingham Forest on Friday night at the King Power Stadium.

Issahaku made an immediate impact after coming off the bench with Leicester down 2-0, providing the crucial assist that sparked the Foxes’ impressive turnaround.

He recorded seven touches in the opposition box, the most of any player on the field, and nearly scored himself with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar.

His subsequent header led to a penalty, converted by Jamie Vardy, levelling the match at 2-2. Jordan Ayew then secured the win with a goal in the dying moments.

Lineker, a Leicester legend, expressed his admiration for the 21-year-old’s performance, stating, “The game really changed when Abdul Fatawu came on. As a Leicester fan, my kids follow Leicester as well. Every time we see the teamsheet and he’s not in it, we go, ‘oh no, not again. Why is he not playing? This kid is special.'”

Issahaku’s impact has sparked discussions about his lack of consistent starts, given the energy and creativity he brings when he plays. His assist and dynamic presence helped secure a memorable victory, further enhancing his reputation in English football.

The young star will look to maintain his excellent form as Leicester City hosts Nottingham Forest on Friday night at the King Power Stadium.

Ayew shone on his return to club football after the Black Stars’ disappointing results in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sudan.

The former Crystal Palace forward scored a dramatic injury-time winner, helping the Foxes rally from two goals down to clinch victory over the Saints.

Southampton took a commanding lead in the first half, with Cameron Archer and Joe Aribo scoring to put the home side ahead before the break.

Leicester began their comeback in the second half when Facundo Buonanotte found the net in the 64th minute, assisted by Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

The visitors then drew level in the 74th minute, thanks to a penalty converted by veteran forward Jamie Vardy.

In a thrilling finale, Ayew, who joined Leicester this summer, made a decisive impact by scoring in injury time after being set up by Harry Winks.

His goal secured a memorable win for the Foxes and marked his first goal for the club in seven Premier League appearances.

Both Ayew and Issahaku came off the bench after returning from international duty and played pivotal roles in the comeback.

The duo will aim to inspire Leicester again when they face Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium on Friday, October 25.

The 20-year-old Issahaku initially joined Leicester City on loan from Sporting CP last season after facing difficulties breaking into the Portuguese club’s squad.

Despite the challenges, he played a key role in helping Leicester earn promotion back to the Premier League, which secured him a five-year contract with the club.

Speaking about Issahaku’s progress, Ayew, who signed with Leicester this summer after leaving Crystal Palace, expressed admiration for the young winger.

“It’s really great, actually. I met Abdul for the first time at the national training camp with Ghana around six years ago. This just shows that the boy has done a really good job and has worked hard to get to where he is today. All credit goes to him” Ayew said in an interview with Showmax.

Ayew added that he is at Leicester not just to continue his career but also to support Issahaku’s development, acknowledging the challenges young players often face.

“I was very lucky because I had my brother and a few other senior players who were always advising me,” he shared.

“Now that I am here and have been in the position to know how it is, I can guide him, but I can also be hard on him when necessary. It’s all positive for him” he added.

So far, Jordan Ayew has appeared in eight matches for Leicester City, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has played nine times. Both players are expected to be in action when Leicester visits Southampton at St. Mary’s on Saturday.

The 33-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Foxes after leaving fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace, reuniting with fellow Ghanaian, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

Ayew revealed that, he is yet to find a permanent place to live in Leicester after relocating from London, which has limited his time to connect with Issahaku off the field.

“I haven’t, actually. I am still busy looking for my house, I haven’t gotten a house as yet, so I have been very busy sorting out a number of things,” Ayew said during an interview with Showmax.

“I haven’t settled properly as yet, and so I haven’t had time to spend with Abdul off the field. He has an apartment in Leicester, I let him do his thing. Once I am all settled I will have much more time on my hands and we can spend it together,” he added.

So far, Jordan Ayew has played in eight matches for Leicester City, while Fatawu Issahaku has made nine appearances. Ayew will be hoping to be part of the squad when Leicester City takes on Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.

A Wilfred Ndidi own goal in the 94th minute and a close-range Kai Havertz strike in the ninth minute of stoppage time denied a Foxes side who were within reach of an unlikely point at Emirates Stadium after clawing back a two-goal deficit in the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli had given the dominant Gunners a deserved first-half lead when he steered home Jurrien Timber’s cross, before providing the pass for the second, converted by Leandro Trossard, on the stroke of half-time.

Leicester had managed only one touch in the Arsenal area before the break, but they reduced the arrears a little over a minute into the second half when James Justin’s header from Facundo Buonanotte’s free-kick struck Havertz on its way in.

Justin doubled his personal tally in spectacular fashion shortly after the hour mark, meeting Ndidi’s left-wing delivery with a swerving volley that beat David Raya via the inside of the post.

If Arsenal were momentarily stunned by Leicester’s recovery, they soon recovered their poise and Mads Hermansen produced two superb saves to keep the Foxes level, denying Havertz with a point-blank stop before keeping out Trossard’s shot – moments after giving the ball away inside his own area.

But Trossard’s late effort was deflected past the Danish goalkeeper by Ndidi before Havertz struck from close-range to complete the scoring.

Victory lifts Arsenal level on points with Manchester City, who could be overtaken by Liverpool if they beat Wolves at Molineux in Saturday’s late game.

The Premier League match, set to kick off at 14:00 GMT, will mark Ayew’s return to the ground he called home for six years.

The Ghanaian international moved to Leicester during the summer transfer window after a long stint with Palace, where he built strong connections both on and off the pitch.

Reflecting on the upcoming fixture, Ayew spoke about the mixed emotions he expects to feel.

“It will be strange because I was there for six years and it was my home,” Ayew shared with Leicester’s official website. “I’ll see a lot of familiar faces that I didn’t get to say a proper goodbye to, so it’s going to be emotional. But I’m here to defend my new team.”

Leicester have struggled early in the Premier League season, recording one draw and two losses in their first three matches.

However, Ayew recently opened his scoring account for the Foxes, netting his first goal in a 4-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

As Ayew prepares for an emotional homecoming, both he and Leicester will be hoping to turn around their Premier League fortunes.

Making his debut start for Leicester following his summer transfer from Crystal Palace, Ayew played a key role in their 4-0 home victory over Tranmere Rovers, contributing both a goal and an assist.

“I’m really happy. The win was important for us since we hadn’t secured a victory since the season started. We played well, scored goals, and the win boosts our confidence ahead of Saturday’s big game” Ayew told the club’s media team.

The 30-year-old forward delivered a standout performance, opening the scoring at King Power Stadium.

Leicester City added three more goals in the second half, with Stephy Mavididi converting a penalty in the 51st minute and Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks scoring in the 71st and 90th minutes, respectively.

Ayew will be looking to maintain his spot in the squad as Leicester City prepares to face Aston Villa at home in the Premier League this Saturday.

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Ayew scored in Leicester’s 4-0 victory over Tranmere in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night at the King Power Stadium.

In his post-match comments, Cooper emphasized the significance of Ayew’s goal.

“It was a crucial moment in the match. We needed our attacking players to step up, and Jordan did just that. He had a positive impact, scored, and played the right amount of minutes. It’s exactly what we would have hoped for,” Cooper said.

He continued, “Jordan brings a wealth of experience and is eager to make a mark for us in the Premier League. He was very enthusiastic about joining us, and we’re excited to integrate him into our plans. We’ll rely on him and all our players as we move forward.”

Following his goal-scoring debut for Leicester, Ayew will be looking to secure a spot in the squad for their upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

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Ayew opened the scoring for the Foxes with a spectacular long-range strike in the 38th minute, after receiving a pass from Harry Winks. His goal gave Leicester City a 1-0 advantage going into halftime.

🇬🇭Jordan Ayew!!⚽️

What a way to open his account at Leicester City 🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/jtpkCzeEwP

— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) August 27, 2024

In the second half, Stephy Mavididi extended the lead by converting a penalty in the 51st minute.

Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks added goals in the 71st and 90th minutes, respectively, securing a 4-0 victory for Leicester City and their progression to the next round.

The 32-year-old Ayew joined Leicester City this summer from Premier League side Crystal Palace in an £8 million deal and made his debut for the club against Fulham last weekend.

Ayew will hope to keep his place in the team when they host Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

The 32-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Foxes on Friday, moving from Crystal Palace.

Leicester City’s head coach, Steve Cooper, brought Ayew on as a second-half substitute. The former Swansea City and Aston Villa forward replaced Bobby De Cordova-Reid on the left wing, contributing with a dribble and completing 83% of his passes.

Fulham took the lead in the 15th minute through Smith Rowe, but Leicester equalized in the 38th minute with a goal from Wout Faes, ending the first half at 1-1.

In the second half, Alex Iwobi’s 70th-minute strike secured the victory for Fulham.

Despite Ayew’s contributions, Leicester couldn’t find a way back into the game, allowing Fulham to hold on for the win.

Ayew will be aiming to secure a starting position in Leicester’s upcoming fixtures, including their EFL Cup match against Tranmere and a Premier League encounter with Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium.