- Leicester City fall to a 2-1 defeat at Watford in the Premier League on Boxing Day
- Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring for Leicester City before Watford scored twice from set plays
- Former Fox Molla Wagué and Abdoulaye Doucouré found the net for Watford
- Claude Puel revealed that Danny Simpson will be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury
The Foxes had taken a brilliant lead through Riyad Mahrez when he headed home a Marc Albrighton cross but conceded twice from set plays either side of half time as Molla Wagué and Abdoulaye Doucouré put the hosts ahead.
Puel’s men rallied and had excellent chances through Wes Morgan and Leonardo Ulloa in the closing stages, but splendid saves by Hornets skipper Heurelho Gomes kept the lead intact and condemned the Foxes to defeat.
The manager felt his team deserved to take something from the game after the openings they created and insisted they would be working hard to correct things ahead of their weekend trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.
“It's a big disappointment,” reflected Puel. “Our first half was good, with quality. We had control of the game but we conceded a goal from a free kick and then again in the second half. I think a draw would have been a fair result.
“It's difficult to accept this result. Perhaps in the second half we did not have enough quality possession and we conceded chances against us. The second goal was a little harsh of course. We tried until the end of come into the game but their keeper made fantastic saves.
“I think we played with good energy and were positive but we have to correct what we do from free kicks because it is a disappointment to concede these two goals. Watford were a difficult opponent with long balls and they are powerful. We finished the game with a bad feeling. This is a shame.”
The Foxes made a few changes for the game after losing Danny Simpson for several weeks to a hamstring injury, but those players who came in performed well despite the result as the manager reflected on what has been an overall positive first couple of months at the helm.
He said: “When we won four games in a row it was a good period, with quality. But I think we have played good games. Just against Crystal Palace there was not enough concentration and quality
“Today it was difficult to play on the floor because it was a difficult opponent, physically powerful. We needed more control. We have to continue to improve, this is the most important thing.
“Now we have to continue the hard work. It's as long process but I have a good feeling with the players and I enjoy their football. But sometimes, like today, I am disappointed.”