Hull 2 Leicester 1: Robert Snodgrass condemns Premier League champions to shock opening day defeat at KC Stadium

PREMIER LEAGUE champions Leicester were left scratching their heads after falling to a shock opening day defeat against relegation candidates Hull.

The Foxes failed to find a foothold in the game as managerless Hull took the lead through Adama Diomande's acrobat first-half finish.

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Claudio Ranieri's men were soon back on level terms after Riyad Mahrez converted a penalty following Tom Huddlestone's foul on Demarai Gray.

But Robert Snodgrass's first goal for the Tigers with just over half an hour to play condemned Leicester to defeat at the KC Stadium.

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FACTS, STATS, GOALS AND LOLS

• The start of the season is supposed to bring excitement  but the understandably-disillusioned supporters staged a protest over unpopular owner Assem Allam before the game – and repeatedly sang about him during the match. Their team’s goals certainly improved the mood.
• The match was not even a sell-out – which tells you everything you need to know about the state of the club. The top-priced ticket for a Category A game this season is just £33.
• Hull don’t have a manager but Leicester certainly love theirs. As they watched the champions walk out here, their achievements last season must still have seemed like some weird dream.
• The Japanese media once again came in their numbers to cover Leicester’s Shinji Okazaki. So they were less than impressed when the team sheets were handed out with Okazaki left on the bench.
• With just 13 fit first-team players, Hull caretaker boss Mike Phelan was forced to stick Jake Livermore in central defence. They also named four youth players on the bench.
• Demarai Gray delivered the first effort of the Premier League season but it was deflected over by Curtis Davies.

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• On a bright August lunchtime, the floodlights were switched on throughout. Who said Hull were a shambles. . .
• There were cheers when Jamie Vardy completely miskicked the ball when attempting shot. That’s what happens when you spend a summer with the English national team.
• Leicester did not play particularly well in the first half but should have scored when Christian Fuchs forced a good save from Eldin Jakupovic, Jake Livermore blocked Jamie Vardy’s rebound and Riyad Mahrez fired wide. Soon after, Vardy skied a great cross from Ahmed Musa and then punched himself.
• Hull opened the scoring in first half stoppage time and it was a great effort from Diomande. Snodgrass’ corner was met by Davies who forced a terrific save from Kasper Schmeichel. Diomande delivered the overhead kick.
• Leicester’s penalty 14 seconds into the second half was soft. The challenge from Tom Huddleston on Gray started outside the box but Mahrez’s finish was decent.
• Snodgrass’ finish to put 2-1 was also excellent. A poor throw by Schmeichel caught out Gray and Elmohamady delivered a cross which was cleared badly by Simpson and Snodgrass scored the rebound.

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STAT ATTACK

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SOCIAL SAYS

WHAT THEY SAID

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri: "We made a lot of effort today, but not as a team. That was the key of the match. Hull played better.

"I told the players we need to be strong together. Last season we were a great team, but today we played individually."