The Foxes defeated Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium and the Japanese striker was influential.
The pre-match headline news from the King Power Stadium was that star striker Jamie Vardy had been left on the bench for Leicester city’s home match with Crystal Palace.
With a hectic schedule brought about by their European commitments it was an understandable decision by Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri, one that was further justified by the performance of the attacking players who replaced the England man.
Ahmed Musa and Shinji Okazaki both got their names on the score sheet in the 3-1 victory, with Christian Fuchs adding the other through a thunderous strike from outside the area.
Yohan Cabaye scored a late consolation for Palace but the champions held on to secure a vital Premier League win which lifted them to 12th.
It was Okazaki who received the plaudits on Twitter after the match, with fans commenting on how vital the Japanese international is to Ranieri’s system.
Even some of Leicester’s more famous fans were full of praise for the striker’s contribution.
Foxes fans were also pleased that Musa got off the mark in the Premier League following his summer move from CSKA Moscow, while the popular Fuchs breaking his duck also went down well.
Leicester travel to Tottenham next weekend for another stern test of their credentials, but Saturday’s result and performance was a reminder of the quality that the Foxes possess.
On this evidence, they will fancy their chances of replicating last season’s win at White Hart Lane.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
