Leicester City have moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after Shinji Okazaki's overhead kick gave the Foxes a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
Playing under Rafael Benitez's guidance for the first time, it was Newcastle who started the brighter with Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback both sending efforts wide during the opening five minutes.
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Moussa Sissoko also headed wide at the back post as the Magpies built some momentum, but after 25 minutes, Leicester went in front through Okazaki, who directed an overhead kick into the bottom corner after Jamie Vardy had headed the ball across goal.
Moments later, Marc Albrighton almost doubled the lead after running towards the retreating Newcastle defence, but he could only curl the ball inches wide of the far post.
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Chances were few and far between after half time, but when openings did materialise, they came through some neat play from Newcastle, but they could not apply the finishing touches.
Just before the half-hour mark, Sissoko got in behind the defence only to hesitate when a shooting opportunity presented itself, before Perez fired wide from the edge of the box.
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Leicester barely created a chance during the second half, but as full time approached, they started to push men forward in search of a second goal.
However, they were able to settle for just the one as Newcastle failed to mount a late comeback, and the Magpies remain in the bottom three of the standings.
Darren Plant
