Alexis Mac Allister hits double as Brighton pile more misery on Leicester

Life gets no easier for Brendan Rodgers. There was more than a hint of self-preservation to his well-publicised comments in the media this week, but the distraction-cum-excuse of the transfer window is no longer available.

A squad that Rodgers has on multiple occasions emphasised needs a refresh, looks stagnant. Having been resoundingly picked apart by the high-flying Brighton, they remain rock-bottom of the Premier League.

Graham Potter’s side could even afford to give up an early lead, Kelechi Iheanacho putting the visitors ahead inside a minute. A Luke Thomas own goal and Moises Caicedo’s strike reversed the deficit before Patson Daka levelled.

After the break, and following more VAR controversy, Leandro Trossard and Alexis Mac Allister – first from the penalty spot and then with a magnificent free-kick – secured a much deserved home victory.

Both clubs made healthy summer profits courtesy of Chelsea, but that is where the current similarities end. These teams are on very different trajectories. Brighton’s under Potter is very much upward. Despite having lost arguably their three best players from last season – Yves Bissouma, Marc Cucurella and Neal Maupay – they look in sync, and, unlike in past years, they are finding goals from multiple sources. Mac Allister is providing their sparkle from the base of midfield.

Leicester need to learn to swim again but are currently splashing around wildly. Pointless since the opening day, Rodgers spent the past few days recalibrating both Leicester’s expectations and his starting lineup.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jamie Vardy were both rotated out of the team beaten by Manchester United, replaced by Iheanacho and Daka. Those two were given their first league starts of the season