Mahrez showed his old form for Leicester against Hull – Shakespeare

Leicester interim manager Craig Shakespeare has said he hopes the goal Riyad Mahrez scored against Hull will herald a return to his best.

Mahrez and Leicester have failed to reproduce anything like the form that saw them win the Premier League last season, a campaign in which the Algeria international was voted PFA Player of the Year.

However, there was a glimpse of that magic on Saturday when he scored Leicester’s second goal in the 3-1 victory over Premier League relegation rivals.

Mahrez turned Andrew Robertson one way then the other trying to create an opening and, after cutting back for a third time, found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

It was the winger’s eighth goal of the season and his first for the club since November.

Shakespeare said: “Riyad Mahrez has been frustrated with himself. We told him to go out there and be himself. It is the Mahrez of old with the goal he scored.

“Goals give players confidence, and hopefully now he can go on a run. Results give players confidence. Back-to-back wins will give confidence for the last 11 games of the season.”

It was a huge win for the champions and lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone following their victory over Liverpool by the same scoreline on Monday.

Shakespeare added: “In terms of our points, it has been a turnaround. Everyone looked at the game against Liverpool and to get the three points under pressure was important, but to back that up with another win was vitally important.

“When you’re losing and down on confidence it can be hard. Am I surprised? No, because I know this squad and what they’re capable of.