Leicester City restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League ladder with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium on Monday night.
Shinji Okazaki found the back of the net with a stunning bicycle kick in the 25th minute after Jamie Vardy's looping header had picked him out in the box.
Newcastle's best chances came through Ayoze Perez and Moussa Sissoko, but the Magpies were unable to breach Leicester's defence in Rafa Benitez's fist match in charge.
The Spaniard faces a tough task steering Newcastle away from the relegation zone, with the Magpies currently sitting in second-last place on the Premier League ladder.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Leicester City: 1 (Shinji Okazaki 25')
Newcastle United: 0
King Power Stadium, Leicester – 31,824
TALKING POINTS
Before the match Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri tried to play down talk of the Foxes' Premier League title hopes, instead insisting his side was just focused on qualifying for the Europa League. Now, with a five-point buffer and just eight matches remaining, the Italian may just be starting to allow himself to dream of glory.
Newcastle put in an improved performance under new manager Benitez, matching the Foxes for possession and managing more shots at goal than their opponents. However, Benitez must fix the Magpies' leaky defence and restore his player's confidence in front of goal if they are to avoid the drop.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Newcastle host Sunderland in a crunch Tyne-Weaer derby at St James' Park on Sunday, while Leicester travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Great goal @okazakiofficial ... #fearless#foxesneverquitpic.twitter.com/0XayT0Ob66
— Christian Fuchs (@FuchsOfficial) March 14, 2016
QUOTES CORNER
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri was pleased with his side's composure while defending their lead:
"It wasn't the best performance from us but we showed fantastic spirit. We defended very well. It wasn't nervy in the second half, the team was so close and compact.
"I feel now that I am just concentrating on the next game against Crystal Palace. We are so strong, we think only one game at a time. Step by step, that is our philosophy."
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez saw positives in his side's performance:
"I thought that we could get a result and I was convinced we could do it. But they worked really hard and are pushing and their tempo is not easy for any team.
"We know our next game against Sunderland is a derby and it will be important for everyone but I have a feeling the fans are really good and they are the number 12 for the next game. We have plenty of things to do and they need to rest and work hard."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
9 - N'Golo Kanté made five more tackles than any other player in tonight's match. Dynamo.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2016
12 - Leicester City have won 12 games by a one goal margin this season, more than any other @PremierLeague team. Narrow.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2016
5 - Newcastle have already had as many shots as they did in their previous PL away game at Stoke. Revamp.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2016
