The Dawgs, desperate to build momentum after their first win of the campaign, were without Messi due to injury – although rumours abound of the Argentine’s nervousness to face a team who put him out for months last season. And they were set for a tough day when a dreadful challenge from Nainggolan saw him red-carded with barely more than five minutes on the clock. Conte’s side, defiant, opened the scoring through Vardy but, with La Ball enjoying greater and greater possession, it was only a matter of time. Matuidi rifled home twice from outside the area in an eye-catching display and the hosts should really have made more of their dominance. Vardy even had a late chance to level it after bursting through on the counter but a poor shot put paid to their hopes of getting away with playing almost the full match with 10 men. La Ball are up to nine points despite being yet to fully convince.

By Terry Cotter