Brendan Rodgers' inaugural match as Leicester City manager concluded in a 2-1 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road, with substitute Andre Gray netting a last-minute winner.
Rodgers, who departed Celtic after securing seven domestic titles, took charge of the Foxes just days prior but encountered an immediate challenge against the Hornets.
Watford opened the scoring when Troy Deeney converted Gerard Deulofeu's free-kick, maintaining control despite Leicester's possession dominance. The visitors equalized through Jamie Vardy's 10th goal of the season following a precise Youri Tielemans pass.
Rodgers acknowledged the difficulty of implementing his strategies, stating, "It will take time to impose a lot of the ideas we want." He praised his team's performance, noting, "There were a lot of good signs. I was pleased despite not getting the result."
Deeney highlighted Watford's clinical efficiency, asserting, "We were more potent, especially in the first half." The Hornets secured victory when Gray calmly finished Deeney's through ball in stoppage time, sparking jubilant reactions from manager Javi Gracia.
The defeat leaves Leicester 11th in the table, eight points behind rivals, as Rodgers aims to secure a European qualification spot for the club.
