Second Premier League sacking as West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brentford rivals make 'immediate' decision

Leicester City have become the second club in the Premier League this season to sack their manager, with Steve Cooper given his marching orders after Manchester United had already parted ways with Erik ten Hag.

The Foxes were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at the King Power Stadium on Saturday in a result that left the side just two points above the relegation zone. Cooper had managed just two wins so far this season, losing six of their opening 12 matches.

The outfit won the Championship last term under Enzo Maresca but the Italian was then snapped up by Chelsea following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino. Cooper, the former Nottingham Forest boss, lasted just five months in the hot seat.

A club statement from Leicester City on Sunday read: "Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.

"Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the Club. Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the Club and with our best wishes for the future.

"Men’s First Team training will be overseen by First Team Coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the Club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible."

Cooper had been critical of refereeing decisions in that fixture against Chelsea on Saturday. The manager believed his side should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Stephy Mavididi.

Steve Cooper unhappy with referee in Chelsea defeat

Cooper said: "We've had a lot of bad luck with this referee this year. It's our third or fourth game with him and it's not been the best of times. It continued today.

"The last thing [referees' body] PGMOL needed was that performance. He's got some big decisions massively wrong and in general a couple of advantages he blew up. I don't know if he lost concentration or composure but it's not what the referees needed in the first game live on TV [after the international break].

"It's a pity. It's going to be all the talking points. I'm disappointed it's us on the wrong end of it."

Speaking about the run of form for Leicester City, he added: "I knew how tough the challenge of the season was going to be both on and off the pitch and it's proving to be that but that's just how it is coming back into the league.

"I believe we can do better so that's got to come in the performances to get the results."

Leicester City travel to Brentford on Saturday before hosting West Ham at the start of December ahead of a busy run of festive fixtures. It remains to be seen whether the club will appoint a new manager ahead of those clashes with the London outfits.