The hosts almost took the lead inside the opening four minutes, but David Nugent's shot from Danny Simpson's cross deflected off a Villa defender and went behind for a corner.

Nugent's predatory instincts then saw him stretch to connect with Marc Albrighton's cross. The forward's effort flew wide, and Anthony Knockaert - who was stood behind Nugent - seemed to be better placed to finish off the move.

Danny Simpson of Leicester City passes the ball as Gabriel Agbonlahor of Aston Villa closes in during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Aston Villa at The King Power Stadium on January 10, 2015 © Getty Images

In the 20th minute, Christian Benteke thought that he had fired his side in front, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

Nugent then wasted another opportunity after Jores Okore's failed clearance fell to the forward, who could only nod wide from close range.

Remarkably, Nugent then struck the bar as the first half came to a close, but Paul Konchesky arrowed a fizzing strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box in first-half stoppage time to put the Foxes 1-0 up at the break.

The hosts almost went two goals ahead in the 52nd minute, but Brad Guzan reacted well to tip Matty James's diving header over the bar.

Okore gifted the ball to Nugent once more in the 59th minute and the forward fed Albrighton, but Guzan stood tall to beat away the former Villa winger's strike.

Villa almost drew themselves level with one of their first shots of the game on 70 minutes, but Tom Cleverley's side-footed strike drifted behind.

The visitors were able to fashion one more late chance, but Aly Cissokho snatched at his effort.

Deep into stoppage time, both James and Ciaran Clark were shown red cards by Michael Oliver as Leicester held on to secure their second win in their last three league games.