Hull City 2-1 Leicester City

Adama Diomande (number 20, left) was awarded Hull's opening goal, the first of the new Premier League season, although Abel Hernandez (right) also got a touch

Leicester's defence of their Premier League title began with a shock defeat at newly promoted Hull, who are managerless and relegation favourites.

Under caretaker boss Mike Phelan, Hull took the lead when Adama Diomande and Abel Hernandez combined acrobatically, with Diomande awarded the goal.

Riyad Mahrez replied from the penalty spot at the start of the second half after Demarai Gray had been fouled.

But Robert Snodgrass earned the Tigers victory after a cross was not cleared.

Danny Simpson's clearance from Ahmed Elmohamady's ball into the area only found Snodgrass on the edge of the box, and he drilled home.

It is the first time the reigning English champions have started the season with a defeat since 1989, when Arsenal lost at Manchester United.

• Relive all the action

• Updates from the opening day of the Premier League

• Foxes defeat a reality check

What was wrong with Leicester?

Claudio Ranieri's Leicester side lost only three league games in 2015-16

The Foxes' title success was built on a solid defence and clinical finishing, but they managed neither at the KCOM Stadium.

With Robert Huth suspended, summer signing Luis Hernandez came into the Leicester back four, which looked vulnerable whenever Hull attacked down the flanks.

The defending champions also struggled up front, with Jamie Vardy missing their best chances - and they needed the help of referee Mike Dean for their equaliser.

Tom Huddlestone appeared to stand on Gray's heels outside the Hull area, but he fell into the box and Dean pointed to the spot.

Vardy, who scored 24 Premier League goals last season, miscued badly from two Musa pull-backs and had another follow-up effort blocked by Jake Livermore after Christian Fuchs' shot was saved.

But otherwise Leicester created little against a makeshift Hull defence that featured midfielder Livermore at centre-half alongside Curtis Davies.

Analysis: Foxes off-balance - Waddle

Claudio Ranieri and Jamie Vardy spoke about Leicester's misfiring attack during the game

BBC Radio 5 live analyst Chris Waddle felt the balance of Claudio Ranieri's side was wrong, with Gray, Musa and Vardy often all in the same area of the pitch.

"Mahrez was great on the left but Gray kept cutting in from the left and the two strikers Musa and Vardy were almost holding hands with him.

"N'Golo Kante has been sold so Andy King was playing in front of their defence, but he did not look like he has the energy to play there.

"King likes to get forward - dropping off and getting the ball like Kante did is not his strength."

A dream start for unfancied Hull

Hull fans protested against owner Assam Allam before kick-off

There was a distinct lack of a party atmosphere at the KCOM Stadium as the game started, with home fans protesting against current owner Assam Allam and a lot of empty seats as well as banners.

With no manager to replace Steve Bruce, no new signings since they were promoted via the play-offs and talk of a takeover, it was a far from ideal way for Hull to mark their return to the Premier League.

Phelan's wafer-thin squad was expected to be cannon fodder for the champions, but he had clearly prepared them well because they started solidly and soon began causing Leicester problems.

Their spectacular and slightly bizarre opening goal came from a well-worked corner routine that saw Davies nod on at the near post.

They looked lively down the flanks, especially the impressive Elmohamady down the right, and rarely looked in danger when Leicester attacked.

The Foxes only lost three out of 38 league games last season - to Arsenal twice and Liverpool - but while Hull's success was unexpected, it was also fully deserved for their organisation and endeavour.

Man of the match: Hull defender Curtis Davies

Not only did Davies set up his side's first goal, he marshalled their defence superbly, making more interceptions (eight) and clearances (15) than any other Tigers player

What next?

Leicester face Arsenal in their first home game of the new season next Saturday, the same day Hull travel to Swansea.