It was a perfect start to the Premier League season for Leicester City on Sunday as they got off to a flying start with a comfortable 3-0 win over the newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion.
The Foxes took their time to get into the game - with the first 25 minutes seeing some slow build-up play, but towards the end of the first-half they would begin to test West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone. Harvey Barnes in particular would try his luck, however he could only fire straight into the palms of the former Manchester United youngster.
Brendan Rodgers' side asserted their dominance into the second-half and were duly rewarded 10 minutes after the restart, where some effective link-up play between James Justin and Dennis Praet allowed the latter to find space and drive towards the byline to cross the ball where it would meet his Belgian counter-part Timothy Castagne who would head home to give Leicester the lead.
West Brom's afternoon would then go bad to worse as they would concede two penalties in the space of 10 minutes. The first coming in the 74th after Kyle Bartley held back the on-rushing Jamie Vardy who would step up and comfortably slot the ball home to double the Foxes' lead.
Vardy would then have another chance from the spot after Justin was fouled in the box by Dara O'Shea and the same outcome happened as Vardy had his second and Leicester's third to ensure they'd return to the East Midlands with their first three points of the season.
The perfect debut
Not many people could have asked for a better debut performance, but there is every reason for supporters to be excited after Timothy Castagne's first game in Leicester colours.
Brought in to replace the outgoing Ben Chilwell, Castagne operated as a right-back at the Hawthorns but his tireless work rate and ability to show both attacking and defensive prowess caught the eye enough for him to be awarded the Man of the Match.
Completing 100% of his take-ons, winning 100% of his tackles and even finding the back of the net, becoming the fifth Belgian to score on their Premier League debut in the process, the 24-year-old introduced himself to the Foxes' faithful in exemplary style, and looks like he could be a real force to be reckoned with this season.
Vardy keeps on delivering
When it comes to Jamie Vardy playing away against West Brom, it's a case of when - rather than if - he is going to score. The 33-year-old didn't disappoint though and found the back of the net twice to take his record to six goals in five games against the Baggies.
Last season's golden boot winner's two goals also meant he now eclipsed Premier League legend Didier Drogba's goal record, scoring 105 goals ahead of Drogba's 104 in 43 less appearances - another stunning feat to add to his many record-breaking achievements.
To add to the record books, Vardy also once again matched a record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy record of most away games vs an opponent in the competition with a 100% scoring record in the five encounters between Leicester and West Brom. The striker looks like he's well on his way to having yet another fine season up top.
Versatility is strong in the Foxes
The lack of squad depth has been a talking point for a while at Leicester, but even with a injury-hit side, players stepped up to the plate in a number of positions.
James Justin, who has been frequently used as a right-back, instead lined up on the left-hand side to accommodate for new arrival Castagne on the right, delivering a strong performance and showing a maturity to his game.
Nampalys Mendy looked destined for the exit door at the end of last season, but after signing a new contract, stepped into the starting 11 and was exceptional. Not doing anything fancy, the Frenchman kept the play ticking over by recycling the ball and doing everything he can to regain possession as soon as Leicester would lose the ball.
Wilfried Ndidi was the most notable change however. Labelled as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league, the Nigerian instead played as a centre-back alongside Caglar Soyuncu - with Leicester only having one available centre-back prior to kick-off.
Although Ndidi was rarely troubled, when called upon he did his job with relative ease and even seemed like he had improved his passing, showing a large array of both short passes into the midfield or long cross-field balls to switch the play.