Leicester City were back in Premier League action versus Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Leicester City beat Tranmere Rovers 4-0 in the League Cup last Tuesday, giving them a much-needed confidence boost heading into the weekend’s action.
Steve Cooper took charge of the Foxes over the summer and faces the unenviable task of keeping them in the Premier League this season.
Things started off fairly well for the former Nottingham Forest boss as Leicester drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur in their opening game of 2024/25.
However, the Midlands outfit were then bested by Fulham before taking on Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
It was not a great showing for Leicester, who found themselves 2-0 down after 63 minutes thanks to goals from Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran.
Facundo Buonanotte did pull a goal back in the 73rd minute but it was too little, too late.
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Dermot Gallagher explains Jamie Vardy call during Aston Villa vs Leicester City
While Leicester were not great over the weekend, they could have recused a point had one decision gone their way.
Jamie Vardy saw a goal ruled out after the ball hit referee David Coote in the build-up to the strike.
It was no doubt infuriating to watch for Leicester fans but, speaking on Sky Sports, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes it was the right call.
He said: “He’s getting battered for something that’s not his fault. The law says if you play the ball from player to player, you play on.
“If it goes to an opposition player, you pull up. But it also says you can’t be instrumental in an attacking move.
“It deflects off the referee and sets a Leicester player up. He whistles early, the whistle is long gone [when the goal is scored].”
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Steve Cooper cannot rely on VAR to save Leicester City
Leicester not seeing the Vardy goal awarded will anger Cooper but he cannot rely on VAR to keep his side up this season.
Even if that goal had been awarded, it is hard to see the Foxes coming away with anything in that game.
Villa dominated much of the match and several of the home outfit’s players really underperformed.
Wilfred Ndidi struggled for Leicester vs Aston Villa, giving Cooper a fresh concern to deal with after the international break.
It is still early in the campaign and several of the club’s new signings should improve as they settle in at the King Power but right now, Cooper has a lot of work to do if he is to keep this Leicester team up.