Leicester City got off to the perfect start under Claudio Ranieri as they recorded a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in their Premier League opening-day clash at the King Power Stadium.
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The Foxes took the lead in the 11th minute when they won a free kick down the left, and Marc Albrighton lifted the ball into a dangerous area for Vardy to headed past Costel Pantilimon with the aid of the post.
Leicester could have doubled their lead minutes later when Vardy raided down the flank and cut the ball into the box for Shinji Okazaki, but his strike was deflected behind for a corner.
The home side did extend their advantage in the 18th minute as Albrighton caused problems again, and his cross into the box was met by Riyad Mahrez who directed his header beyond the reach of Pantilimon.
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Claudio Ranieri's men were handed the chance to add a third goal when Lee Cattermole brought down Mahrez in the box. The winger took the spot kick himself and dispatched the ball into the net.
Leicester could have made it four when Vardy was played behind the Sunderland defence, but Pantilimon made a fine stop to keep the scoreline down.
Vardy almost added his second goal of the game as he raced past Sebastian Coates and lifted the ball over Pantilimon, but his effort dropped inches past the post.
Mahrez almost completed his hat-trick when he raided into the box and drilled a low effort towards the net, only to see his strike cannon off the post and bounce clear.
Leicester continued to dominate as Vardy saw an effort sail wide of the post, but Sunderland got the next goal as Adam Johnson threaded a pass into the box and Jermain Defoe fired an effort past Schmeichel.
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However, the Foxes restored their commanding lead as the Black Cats failed to clear a cross into the box and Albrighton pounced on a mistake to fire the ball past Pantilimon.
There was to be another twist in the game as Sunderland got their second goal when Defoe lifted a ball into the box and Steven Fletcher guided his effort over Schmeichel.
The Foxes comfortably held out for the win to secure the three points in Ranieri's first match in charge of the club.
Simon Sinclair
