Leicester's Premier League start shows ruthlessness is missing
- Published
Leicester's commitment and grit will never be in doubt.
They were applauded off after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and the unity at the King Power Stadium will be something which will help this season but moments of quality are sparse.
Boss Steve Cooper bemoaned the fine margins which have seen the Foxes lose their last two games and believes Leicester have shown they can compete in the top flight again.
Trips to Crystal Palace and Arsenal do not make it any easier so there will already - externally at least - be a growing focus on Everton's visit on 21 September.
On Saturday Leicester did not do enough to trouble Villa and, while they may take issue with the award of the free kick which led to Amadou Onana's opener, they switched off at crucial times.
Yes, Facundo Buonanotte made it a contest before the end but the ruthlessness Cooper had called for was missing.
Villa were not at their best which makes the defeat even more frustrating, with the only moments of quality the goals. But those are the fine margins Leicester need to bridge and on Saturday it proved too much.
The game was similar to the opening 1-1 draw with Tottenham, where Leicester grew into the game, but, this time, there are no rewards.
They have, at least, not faced those who may be considered relegation rivals and there will be no panic setting in.