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Leicester's Demarai Gray eyeing 'new start' under Claude Puel

Leicester winger Demarai Gray is hoping to make the most of a "new start'' under Claude Puel following a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-0 win over Everton.

The England Under-21 international produced a sparkling run and pass for Riyad Mahrez to set up Jamie Vardy for the opener and was credited with the second goal after defender John-Joe Kenny deflected the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Gray told Sky Sports: "I've had to wait for my opportunities but it's a new start and I think all the lads know I've had momentum off the back of the last two games so I was brought in for this game and we've got three points.

"That's 100 percent my goal.''

Vardy added: "I think you can tell it's on target and the defender's just deflected it into the top corner rather than the bottom corner.''

On the game, Gray added: "The boys know that once we score the first goal we can be flying and we did throughout the first half and I think that was important for us.

"Second half they put the pressure on us, which was to be expected, but we defended well and saw it out.''

Vardy revealed that Puel "didn't want to change too much'' for his first game in charge, and added: "He's just put a few tactical tweaks in there and it's paid off for us today.''

On his goal, the England striker said: "We've hit them on the counter, Demarai gets on the ball and produces a bit of magic and it has split them wide open.

"Once we do go in front we know we are capable of defending a lead and we've shown that in the second half after they've made a tactical change themselves to put us under a bit of pressure.

"But the lads have dug in and the main thing is we've come in with the three points.''

Leicester boss Puel saw plenty of positives from his new side's display.

"I was impressed because they played very well first half with good combination, with good relationships between the players and it was a fantastic first goal,'' he said.

"It was a little more difficult in the second half because Everton are a very good team and they tried to come back into the game.

"But we saw a team in Leicester with a good attitude, a good structure and a lot of solidarity.

"It's a very good result and I also wanted to thank the fantastic fans for their warm welcome and superb atmosphere.''