Leicester City vs West Ham: The Foxes Strike Early

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Leicester City marked Ruud van Nistelrooy's managerial debut with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the King Power Stadium. Jamie Vardy, the evergreen striker, netted the game's solitary goal just two minutes into the match, continuing his remarkable scoring form under the new boss.
The Foxes started the match with an intensity that belied their recent struggles, and they were rewarded almost immediately. A swift counter-attack saw the ball fall to Vardy on the edge of the box, and the English international made no mistake, firing a low drive into the bottom corner.
It was a dream start for van Nistelrooy, who has been tasked with turning around Leicester's fortunes after a disappointing start to the season. The former Manchester United striker has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the team, and his players responded with a spirited performance against the Hammers.
West Ham had their chances to equalize, but they were unable to find a way past a resolute Leicester defense. The Foxes held on for a priceless victory that lifts them out of the relegation zone and gives them a much-needed boost of confidence.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the match:
* Vardy shows he's still got it: At 37 years old, Jamie Vardy continues to defy his age, scoring his 12th goal of the season in all competitions. His predatory instincts remain as sharp as ever, and he is a vital weapon for van Nistelrooy's team.
* Leicester's defense impresses: The Foxes' backline, which has been criticized for its fragility in recent months, put in a solid performance against West Ham. They limited the visitors to few clear-cut chances and deserved the clean sheet.
* Van Nistelrooy's impact is already evident: In just his first game in charge, van Nistelrooy has instilled a new belief in the Leicester players. They played with a purpose and intensity that was lacking under his predecessor, Brendan Rodgers.
Leicester City will be looking to build on this victory when they travel to Fulham on Saturday. West Ham, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back when they host Arsenal on Boxing Day.