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THE LATEST LEICESTER CITY FC NEWS STORIES
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Leicester City 4-1 West Ham United
Foxes back to winning ways as Vardy & Mendy are injured
Leicester returned to winning ways against West Ham at King Power Stadium but lost the league's top scorer Jamie Vardy to injury in the first half.
Harvey Barnes scored the opener, poking in from a yard out, before turning provider for Ricardo Pereira on the stroke of half-time. West Ham captain Mark Noble made it 2-1 from the spot before Leicester's Ayoze Perez did the same. And Perez drilled in a fourth for Leicester with minutes to go.
There had been a lengthy stoppage time at the end of the first half as Vardy received treatment for what looked like a hamstring injury. Less than 10 minutes before, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy was substituted for an apparent knee injury and West Ham's Robert Snodgrass came off at half-time after a knock.
Leicester were boosted by the return of key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who was on the bench just 13 days after having minor knee surgery. Manager Brendan Rodgers had said before kick-off that Ndidi was "there if we need him". And in the end, Leicester did need him when Mendy went down with an apparent knee injury after 32 minutes.
Mendy had filled in for Ndidi in the 2-1 defeat by Burnley on Sunday, as well as playing 70 minutes in the same defensive role in December's victory over West Ham. But Leicester's injury concerns got even worse when Premier League top scorer Vardy immediately clutched his hamstring after clearing the ball in his own defensive area.
Silence spread through the King Power as Vardy - who has scored 17 goals and picked up four assists this season - received treatment on the pitch before attempting to run it off. He lasted barely two minutes when he returned and was eventually substituted for striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Vardy has contributed to 34% of Leicester's Premier League goals this season so Rodgers will be hoping his recovery is as miraculous as Ndidi's.
Leicester were cruising in the first half and came out the blocks firing. They enjoyed 72% of possession and West Ham only managed 17 passes in the opening 10 minutes.
Vardy drew a save from Darren Randolph within minutes - finishing off a slick passing move from Leicester - and there were further chances for Pereira and Mendy before Barnes eventually got the opener on 24 minutes. Pereira slotted the ball across the face of the goal and Barnes could not miss from a yard out, before the two combined again in stoppage time - giving the home fans something to cheer about despite the mood dampening when Vardy trudged off injured.
West Ham looked well beaten at the break but they may have sensed the anxiety among the Leicester players and fans because they looked a more threatening side at the start the second half. Noble stepped up confidently to put away the penalty - which was given after minimal contact from Ndidi on Sebastien Haller in the box - and Manuel Lanzini came close to an equaliser when he almost poked in a loose ball from Michail Antonio's rebounded flick.
Leicester rode the simmering pressure and began to settle again - Iheanacho and James Maddison being denied before Perez eventually thumped in the third goal from the spot after Angelo Ogbonna's clumsy tackle on Iheanacho. The job was done for Leicester, who continued to pepper Randolph's goal, but Perez doubled his tally with a slick finish from inside the box.
The victory leaves Leicester 14 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United, while West Ham remain level on points with second-bottom Watford and without a win in three successive league games.
Leicester travel to Brentford for their FA Cup fourth-round tie on Saturday, 25 January before the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Aston Villa on Tuesday, 28 January. Their next Premier League game is at home to Chelsea on Saturday, 1 February.
BBC
Foxes back to winning ways as Vardy & Mendy are injured
Leicester returned to winning ways against West Ham at King Power Stadium but lost the league's top scorer Jamie Vardy to injury in the first half.
Harvey Barnes scored the opener, poking in from a yard out, before turning provider for Ricardo Pereira on the stroke of half-time. West Ham captain Mark Noble made it 2-1 from the spot before Leicester's Ayoze Perez did the same. And Perez drilled in a fourth for Leicester with minutes to go.
There had been a lengthy stoppage time at the end of the first half as Vardy received treatment for what looked like a hamstring injury. Less than 10 minutes before, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy was substituted for an apparent knee injury and West Ham's Robert Snodgrass came off at half-time after a knock.
Leicester were boosted by the return of key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who was on the bench just 13 days after having minor knee surgery. Manager Brendan Rodgers had said before kick-off that Ndidi was "there if we need him". And in the end, Leicester did need him when Mendy went down with an apparent knee injury after 32 minutes.
Mendy had filled in for Ndidi in the 2-1 defeat by Burnley on Sunday, as well as playing 70 minutes in the same defensive role in December's victory over West Ham. But Leicester's injury concerns got even worse when Premier League top scorer Vardy immediately clutched his hamstring after clearing the ball in his own defensive area.
Silence spread through the King Power as Vardy - who has scored 17 goals and picked up four assists this season - received treatment on the pitch before attempting to run it off. He lasted barely two minutes when he returned and was eventually substituted for striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Vardy has contributed to 34% of Leicester's Premier League goals this season so Rodgers will be hoping his recovery is as miraculous as Ndidi's.
Leicester were cruising in the first half and came out the blocks firing. They enjoyed 72% of possession and West Ham only managed 17 passes in the opening 10 minutes.
Vardy drew a save from Darren Randolph within minutes - finishing off a slick passing move from Leicester - and there were further chances for Pereira and Mendy before Barnes eventually got the opener on 24 minutes. Pereira slotted the ball across the face of the goal and Barnes could not miss from a yard out, before the two combined again in stoppage time - giving the home fans something to cheer about despite the mood dampening when Vardy trudged off injured.
West Ham looked well beaten at the break but they may have sensed the anxiety among the Leicester players and fans because they looked a more threatening side at the start the second half. Noble stepped up confidently to put away the penalty - which was given after minimal contact from Ndidi on Sebastien Haller in the box - and Manuel Lanzini came close to an equaliser when he almost poked in a loose ball from Michail Antonio's rebounded flick.
Leicester rode the simmering pressure and began to settle again - Iheanacho and James Maddison being denied before Perez eventually thumped in the third goal from the spot after Angelo Ogbonna's clumsy tackle on Iheanacho. The job was done for Leicester, who continued to pepper Randolph's goal, but Perez doubled his tally with a slick finish from inside the box.
The victory leaves Leicester 14 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United, while West Ham remain level on points with second-bottom Watford and without a win in three successive league games.
Leicester travel to Brentford for their FA Cup fourth-round tie on Saturday, 25 January before the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Aston Villa on Tuesday, 28 January. Their next Premier League game is at home to Chelsea on Saturday, 1 February.
BBC
Two Leicester City players fined after training ground blunder as Chilwell & Choudhury turned up late for training ahead of the Burnley clash
Ben Chilwell and Hamza Choudhury were fined by their Leicester City team-mates after turning up late for a training session, according to reports.
Sky Sports reports the City pair turned up late for training at Belvoir Drive last week and under the existing agreement among the players, were fined. The money accrued from fines for that type of offence goes into a pot which pays for the squad’s Christmas party.
The club are not thought to have punished the duo and the reports add that manager Brendan Rodgers is not particularly concerned by the situation.
Chilwell and Choudhury both missed the defeat to Burnley on Sunday and Rodgers was asked to explain their absences afterwards.
“They missed a very important session for us in the week, which was the build-up leading to this game, so we couldn’t bring them into the game today,” Rodgers said.
“Both will be in contention for Wednesday. Ben has played a lot of games, so we looked at that, and this was probably the game he could miss out on.
“They were just unavailable for the training. We were doing a lot of preparation for this game, they were unable to be there, so we now move on.”
In his reply to the BBC Radio Leicester question, Rodgers added: “I had to go with the players that we trusted to come here and get the result.
When asked to elaborate, he replied: “It’s a personal one, that.”
City take on West Ham United at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
Leicester Mercury
Ben Chilwell and Hamza Choudhury were fined by their Leicester City team-mates after turning up late for a training session, according to reports.
Sky Sports reports the City pair turned up late for training at Belvoir Drive last week and under the existing agreement among the players, were fined. The money accrued from fines for that type of offence goes into a pot which pays for the squad’s Christmas party.
The club are not thought to have punished the duo and the reports add that manager Brendan Rodgers is not particularly concerned by the situation.
Chilwell and Choudhury both missed the defeat to Burnley on Sunday and Rodgers was asked to explain their absences afterwards.
“They missed a very important session for us in the week, which was the build-up leading to this game, so we couldn’t bring them into the game today,” Rodgers said.
“Both will be in contention for Wednesday. Ben has played a lot of games, so we looked at that, and this was probably the game he could miss out on.
“They were just unavailable for the training. We were doing a lot of preparation for this game, they were unable to be there, so we now move on.”
In his reply to the BBC Radio Leicester question, Rodgers added: “I had to go with the players that we trusted to come here and get the result.
When asked to elaborate, he replied: “It’s a personal one, that.”
City take on West Ham United at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester have dropped points in MORE THAN HALF of their Premier League matches since Brendan Rodgers signed his new contract
It seems Leicester’s resurgence under Brendan Rodgers has finally been brought to a halt.
The Foxes have been magnificent since the Northern Irishman took charge of the club last February, sweeping away most Premier League sides in their path whilst playing a lovely brand of football.
However, since Rodgers signed his new contract in early December, Leicester’s form has begun to dip and at quite an alarming rate. They have now dropped points in more than half of the games since the bumper new deal was agreed, losing four, winning three and drawing one of eight of their matches in the top flight.
Their dip in form has unsurprisingly coincided with a lack of goals from the Premier League’s top scorer, Jamie Vardy. Vardy, who leads the way for goals with 17 strikes this season, has failed to score in his last three league matches. He also missed two matches prior to that due to the birth of his child and a minor injury, and this perhaps halted some of his goalscoring momentum.
On Sunday, Burnley came from behind to down Leicester with a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor. After Harvey Barnes gave the Foxes the lead, second-half strikes from Chris Wood and Ashley Westwood sealed a much-needed three points for Sean Dyche’s men.
Talk Sport
It seems Leicester’s resurgence under Brendan Rodgers has finally been brought to a halt.
The Foxes have been magnificent since the Northern Irishman took charge of the club last February, sweeping away most Premier League sides in their path whilst playing a lovely brand of football.
However, since Rodgers signed his new contract in early December, Leicester’s form has begun to dip and at quite an alarming rate. They have now dropped points in more than half of the games since the bumper new deal was agreed, losing four, winning three and drawing one of eight of their matches in the top flight.
Their dip in form has unsurprisingly coincided with a lack of goals from the Premier League’s top scorer, Jamie Vardy. Vardy, who leads the way for goals with 17 strikes this season, has failed to score in his last three league matches. He also missed two matches prior to that due to the birth of his child and a minor injury, and this perhaps halted some of his goalscoring momentum.
On Sunday, Burnley came from behind to down Leicester with a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor. After Harvey Barnes gave the Foxes the lead, second-half strikes from Chris Wood and Ashley Westwood sealed a much-needed three points for Sean Dyche’s men.
Talk Sport
Burnley 2-1 Leicester City
Foxes poor form continues as they let lead slip and Vardy misses penalty
Ashley Westwood's stunning strike saw Burnley come from behind to beat Leicester and earn their first points in five games.
The midfielder's emphatic finish in the 79th minute and goalkeeper Nick Pope's penalty save from Jamie Vardy marked a brilliant recovery by the home side who went behind to Harvey Barnes' 33rd-minute goal. The Burnley-born player gave the Foxes the lead with a superb individual effort after Jack Cork had been dispossessed just inside his own half.
Burnley improved after the break and equalised when Chris Wood poked in his ninth league goal of the season after Ben Mee nodded into his path from a corner. However, Mee then fouled Barnes in the box to give away a penalty, which was verified by VAR. Vardy, without a goal in his previous three games, saw his firm strike palmed away by Pope.
With their tails up, Burnley surged forward and were rewarded 11 minutes from time when Westwood thundered home a low drive. The win lifts Burnley to 14th - five points above the relegation zone. Leicester have now lost four times in their last six league games.
Resilient Burnley bounce back -
At the start of the 2018-19 season, Sean Dyche feared his team could be priced out of the Premier League.
Since their return to the top flight in the 2016-17 season the Clarets have been frugal with their spending. Their most expensive signings to date remain the £15m they spent on both defender Ben Gibson and striker Wood. The primary thought for a club the size of Burnley is to use their Premier League income to secure their future. Dyche has, as a consequence, been rightly lauded for keeping the Clarets in the division, but the question is for how much longer can the 48-year-old perform miracles?
His motivational abilities were tested at Turf Moor as he faced five successive league losses as Burnley boss for the first time. Every small decision could have a big impact for his side from here on in, and Dyche looked aggrieved on the sidelines when Dennis Praet's challenge on Jack Cork in midfield went unpunished in the build-up to Barnes' goal.
But rather than let their heads sink, Burnley came out bouncing after the break. Wood went close with a header before he was in the right place at the right time to poke in.
Leicester's penalty came against the run of play, but Pope ensured the momentum stayed with his side as he made a terrific save. Then came the goal that resulted in the biggest cheer of the afternoon. Charlie Taylor broke down the wing and fired a cross into the area which Jonny Evans could only clear into the direction of Westwood. The former Villa player ran on to the ball and lashed it past Kasper Schmeichel.
Vardy and Leicester misfire again -
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers kept stating his ambitions were largely in check when his side were on an eight-match winning run and looking the most likely to challenge Liverpool. However, he must have thought his side were guaranteed a top-four finish - perhaps this run of results makes it less certain.
Vardy had scored 11 goals in eight matches before Christmas, but he has only managed one in the past seven in all competitions and missed a golden chance to end that run at Turf Moor. James Maddison, touted to make England's Euro 2020 squad, was poor by his standards and wasted a couple of opportunities to shoot.
Barnes was the Foxes' best performer. He did brilliantly to keep his composure, after running 50 yards, to fire past Pope for his goal and also went close with an effort earlier in the game.
Rodgers needs Vardy and Maddison to be back on song for his side to finish in the top four for the first time since they won the title in 2016.
BBC
Foxes poor form continues as they let lead slip and Vardy misses penalty
Ashley Westwood's stunning strike saw Burnley come from behind to beat Leicester and earn their first points in five games.
The midfielder's emphatic finish in the 79th minute and goalkeeper Nick Pope's penalty save from Jamie Vardy marked a brilliant recovery by the home side who went behind to Harvey Barnes' 33rd-minute goal. The Burnley-born player gave the Foxes the lead with a superb individual effort after Jack Cork had been dispossessed just inside his own half.
Burnley improved after the break and equalised when Chris Wood poked in his ninth league goal of the season after Ben Mee nodded into his path from a corner. However, Mee then fouled Barnes in the box to give away a penalty, which was verified by VAR. Vardy, without a goal in his previous three games, saw his firm strike palmed away by Pope.
With their tails up, Burnley surged forward and were rewarded 11 minutes from time when Westwood thundered home a low drive. The win lifts Burnley to 14th - five points above the relegation zone. Leicester have now lost four times in their last six league games.
Resilient Burnley bounce back -
At the start of the 2018-19 season, Sean Dyche feared his team could be priced out of the Premier League.
Since their return to the top flight in the 2016-17 season the Clarets have been frugal with their spending. Their most expensive signings to date remain the £15m they spent on both defender Ben Gibson and striker Wood. The primary thought for a club the size of Burnley is to use their Premier League income to secure their future. Dyche has, as a consequence, been rightly lauded for keeping the Clarets in the division, but the question is for how much longer can the 48-year-old perform miracles?
His motivational abilities were tested at Turf Moor as he faced five successive league losses as Burnley boss for the first time. Every small decision could have a big impact for his side from here on in, and Dyche looked aggrieved on the sidelines when Dennis Praet's challenge on Jack Cork in midfield went unpunished in the build-up to Barnes' goal.
But rather than let their heads sink, Burnley came out bouncing after the break. Wood went close with a header before he was in the right place at the right time to poke in.
Leicester's penalty came against the run of play, but Pope ensured the momentum stayed with his side as he made a terrific save. Then came the goal that resulted in the biggest cheer of the afternoon. Charlie Taylor broke down the wing and fired a cross into the area which Jonny Evans could only clear into the direction of Westwood. The former Villa player ran on to the ball and lashed it past Kasper Schmeichel.
Vardy and Leicester misfire again -
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers kept stating his ambitions were largely in check when his side were on an eight-match winning run and looking the most likely to challenge Liverpool. However, he must have thought his side were guaranteed a top-four finish - perhaps this run of results makes it less certain.
Vardy had scored 11 goals in eight matches before Christmas, but he has only managed one in the past seven in all competitions and missed a golden chance to end that run at Turf Moor. James Maddison, touted to make England's Euro 2020 squad, was poor by his standards and wasted a couple of opportunities to shoot.
Barnes was the Foxes' best performer. He did brilliantly to keep his composure, after running 50 yards, to fire past Pope for his goal and also went close with an effort earlier in the game.
Rodgers needs Vardy and Maddison to be back on song for his side to finish in the top four for the first time since they won the title in 2016.
BBC
Leicester plot move for Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand as Brendan Rodgers lines up replacement for Chelsea target Ben Chilwell
Leicester are bracing themselves for Ben Chilwell’s departure to Chelsea next summer and have identified Ryan Bertrand of Southampton as a potential replacement.
As reported by Sportsmail in October, Chelsea were considering bringing a move for Chilwell forward to January.
But their plans to strengthen at left back have been delayed as the Blues prioritise bringing in a striker this month.
That has given Leicester more time to draw up contingency plans and Bertrand would represent an experienced, quality replacement for Chilwell, 23, whose Leicester contract runs until 2024.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was a youth coach at Chelsea during Bertrand’s time in their academy. Bertrand then spent a year on loan at Reading under Rodgers, who was also keen on a reunion when he was Liverpool boss.
Bertrand, 30, who has 19 England caps and less than 18 months left on his Saints contract, looks set to be a man in demand.
Inter Milan are monitoring Bertrand’s situation, with manager Antonio Conte a long-standing admirer. Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez last summer and also wants Christian Eriksen and Olivier Giroud.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is keeping an eye on Bertrand, who made 57 appearances for Chelsea and still lives near their training ground, in case he finds himself needing two left backs.
Daily Mail
Leicester are bracing themselves for Ben Chilwell’s departure to Chelsea next summer and have identified Ryan Bertrand of Southampton as a potential replacement.
As reported by Sportsmail in October, Chelsea were considering bringing a move for Chilwell forward to January.
But their plans to strengthen at left back have been delayed as the Blues prioritise bringing in a striker this month.
That has given Leicester more time to draw up contingency plans and Bertrand would represent an experienced, quality replacement for Chilwell, 23, whose Leicester contract runs until 2024.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was a youth coach at Chelsea during Bertrand’s time in their academy. Bertrand then spent a year on loan at Reading under Rodgers, who was also keen on a reunion when he was Liverpool boss.
Bertrand, 30, who has 19 England caps and less than 18 months left on his Saints contract, looks set to be a man in demand.
Inter Milan are monitoring Bertrand’s situation, with manager Antonio Conte a long-standing admirer. Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez last summer and also wants Christian Eriksen and Olivier Giroud.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is keeping an eye on Bertrand, who made 57 appearances for Chelsea and still lives near their training ground, in case he finds himself needing two left backs.
Daily Mail
Leicester City confirm Khun Vichai statue will be placed outside King Power Stadium
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha says the sculpture will immortalise his father's legacy and commitment to the club
Leicester City have announced plans to place a statue of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha outside the King Power Stadium.
It will be a lasting tribute to the club owner who was killed when his helicopter crashed near the ground.
Khun Vichai’s son Aiyawatt has tonight confirmed plans for a sculpture to immortalise the 60-year-old businessman and remember his father’s legacy and memory. Speaking before City’s first home match since the crash, Aiyawatt said: “We will never be able to repay what he did for us – for me as his son, us as his family, everyone connected to Leicester City and beyond – but we are committed to honouring his memory and upholding his legacy.
“Our continued growth as a club, our state-of-the-art new training ground and our planned stadium expansion will help realise his vision for Leicester City. “I plan to commission a statue of my father, for outside the King Power Stadium, as a permanent and fitting tribute to the man that made it all possible. “He will forever be in our hearts. He will never be forgotten.”
Aiyawatt has also written a personal tribute to his father in a souvenir programme for Saturday’s Premier League game against Burnley.
Complimentary copies will be issued to all supporters attending Saturday’s fixture as part of the club’s tributes to Khun Vichai and the four people that lost their lives in a helicopter accident outside King Power Stadium on 27 October. Khun Aiyawatt, known affectionately to the Leicester City family as ‘Top’, made the statue announcement following discussions between the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the club on the most appropriate way to honour his father’s memory and the club’s journey under his chairmanship.
In the eight years since the Srivaddhanaprabha family took ownership of Leicester City, Khun Vichai helped transform the club beyond all recognition.
Under his guidance, the Foxes established themselves in English football’s top flight, became Premier League champions in 2016 and and reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Khun Vichai cleared the club’s debts and donated millions of pounds to Leicester’s hospitals and the University of Leicester.
Further details on the commissioning and the statue’s positioning at King Power Stadium will be confirmed in due course.
Leicester Mercury
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha says the sculpture will immortalise his father's legacy and commitment to the club
Leicester City have announced plans to place a statue of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha outside the King Power Stadium.
It will be a lasting tribute to the club owner who was killed when his helicopter crashed near the ground.
Khun Vichai’s son Aiyawatt has tonight confirmed plans for a sculpture to immortalise the 60-year-old businessman and remember his father’s legacy and memory. Speaking before City’s first home match since the crash, Aiyawatt said: “We will never be able to repay what he did for us – for me as his son, us as his family, everyone connected to Leicester City and beyond – but we are committed to honouring his memory and upholding his legacy.
“Our continued growth as a club, our state-of-the-art new training ground and our planned stadium expansion will help realise his vision for Leicester City. “I plan to commission a statue of my father, for outside the King Power Stadium, as a permanent and fitting tribute to the man that made it all possible. “He will forever be in our hearts. He will never be forgotten.”
Aiyawatt has also written a personal tribute to his father in a souvenir programme for Saturday’s Premier League game against Burnley.
Complimentary copies will be issued to all supporters attending Saturday’s fixture as part of the club’s tributes to Khun Vichai and the four people that lost their lives in a helicopter accident outside King Power Stadium on 27 October. Khun Aiyawatt, known affectionately to the Leicester City family as ‘Top’, made the statue announcement following discussions between the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the club on the most appropriate way to honour his father’s memory and the club’s journey under his chairmanship.
In the eight years since the Srivaddhanaprabha family took ownership of Leicester City, Khun Vichai helped transform the club beyond all recognition.
Under his guidance, the Foxes established themselves in English football’s top flight, became Premier League champions in 2016 and and reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Khun Vichai cleared the club’s debts and donated millions of pounds to Leicester’s hospitals and the University of Leicester.
Further details on the commissioning and the statue’s positioning at King Power Stadium will be confirmed in due course.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City 1-2 Southampton
Revenge is sweet for Southampton as The Saints March on to all three points
Southampton gained revenge for their 9-0 thrashing by Leicester City in October when in-form Danny Ings scored a late winner to shock the second-placed Foxes at King Power Stadium.
Leicester, seeking a third successive Premier League win, took an early lead when Dennis Praet tapped in his first goal for the club.
But any thoughts of another easy victory for Brendan Rodgers' side were quickly dispelled when Stuart Armstrong equalised with a deflected shot.
Ings, who has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 league starts, was a thorn in Leicester's side all afternoon and having already struck the crossbar twice, he slotted through Kasper Schmeichel's legs late on.
Leicester thought they had salvaged a draw with a 90th-minute equaliser from Jonny Evans but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled it out for offside.
The victory sees Southampton remain 12th, but move level on points with Everton and Arsenal, while Leicester stay second but 12 points behind Liverpool, who play in the late kick-off.
The victory for Ralph Hassenhuttl's men represents a remarkable turnaround from the previous fixture between the sides but it was nothing more than the visitors deserved having dominated in the first half and matched Leicester in the second.
But while the Saints shaded the chances, Leicester did have the ball in the net on another two occasions - through Jamie Vardy and then Kelechi Iheanacho - but both efforts were disallowed for offside by the on-field officials.
Saints were also awarded a penalty in the second half when Caglar Soyuncu bundled Shane Long over in the box but VAR also overturned that decision.
BBC Sport
Revenge is sweet for Southampton as The Saints March on to all three points
Southampton gained revenge for their 9-0 thrashing by Leicester City in October when in-form Danny Ings scored a late winner to shock the second-placed Foxes at King Power Stadium.
Leicester, seeking a third successive Premier League win, took an early lead when Dennis Praet tapped in his first goal for the club.
But any thoughts of another easy victory for Brendan Rodgers' side were quickly dispelled when Stuart Armstrong equalised with a deflected shot.
Ings, who has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 league starts, was a thorn in Leicester's side all afternoon and having already struck the crossbar twice, he slotted through Kasper Schmeichel's legs late on.
Leicester thought they had salvaged a draw with a 90th-minute equaliser from Jonny Evans but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled it out for offside.
The victory sees Southampton remain 12th, but move level on points with Everton and Arsenal, while Leicester stay second but 12 points behind Liverpool, who play in the late kick-off.
The victory for Ralph Hassenhuttl's men represents a remarkable turnaround from the previous fixture between the sides but it was nothing more than the visitors deserved having dominated in the first half and matched Leicester in the second.
But while the Saints shaded the chances, Leicester did have the ball in the net on another two occasions - through Jamie Vardy and then Kelechi Iheanacho - but both efforts were disallowed for offside by the on-field officials.
Saints were also awarded a penalty in the second half when Caglar Soyuncu bundled Shane Long over in the box but VAR also overturned that decision.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 1-1 Aston Villa
Kelechi Iheanacho levels for Foxes to leave Carabao Cup semi-final on knife edge
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the equaliser for Leicester as they held Aston Villa 1-1 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Frederic Guilbert had given Villa a surprise first-half lead at the King Power Stadium, but Iheanacho hit back in the second half for Leicester.
The former Manchester City striker's goal leaves the tie on a knife edge until the second leg at Villa Park on Tuesday, January 28 - which will be live on Sky Sports Football.
Villa were sitting deep in an attempt to quell the threat of Jamie Vardy's runs, but the Leicester striker did manage to get in behind twice in the opening quarter. On both occasions, however, he was denied by Orjan Nyland.
Leicester weren't exactly banging down the door, but they were dominating the game and the opening goal on 28 minutes did come against the run of play. A swift attack saw Anwar El Ghazi drift out to the left where he played a ball across the box, and Guilbert arrived ahead of Ben Chilwell to prod home.
The goal saw Villa's confidence rise, and they should have doubled their lead on 42 minutes. Grealish swung a dangerous free-kick into the area right onto the head of Ezri Konsa, who beat Kasper Schmeichel to the ball but rattled the crossbar with his attempt. It was a huge let-off for Leicester.
Brendan Rodgers switched things around at half-time as he introduced Hamza Choudhury for Dennis Praet in midfield, but Villa still looked relatively comfortable in defence. It took until the 63rd minute for Leicester to test Nyland again, as he kept out a fierce James Maddison effort from eight yards. Maddison went close again 10 minutes later, but once again Nyland was there to deny him from a tight angle.
Villa had defended brilliantly for 75 minutes, but a lapse in concentration allowed Leicester in for the equaliser. Douglas Luiz was caught in possession deep in his own half from a free-kick, and Vardy sprung to life to nick it and feed in Iheanacho. He then took a few touches to get into the box before hitting a powerful effort past Nyland.
From that moment it was only Leicester in the game as they sought a goal that would give them the lead in the tie. Vardy got in behind on 82 minutes but slammed an effort into the side netting, and there would be no further way through to leave the tie perfectly poised ahead of the second leg.
Sky Sports
Kelechi Iheanacho levels for Foxes to leave Carabao Cup semi-final on knife edge
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the equaliser for Leicester as they held Aston Villa 1-1 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Frederic Guilbert had given Villa a surprise first-half lead at the King Power Stadium, but Iheanacho hit back in the second half for Leicester.
The former Manchester City striker's goal leaves the tie on a knife edge until the second leg at Villa Park on Tuesday, January 28 - which will be live on Sky Sports Football.
Villa were sitting deep in an attempt to quell the threat of Jamie Vardy's runs, but the Leicester striker did manage to get in behind twice in the opening quarter. On both occasions, however, he was denied by Orjan Nyland.
Leicester weren't exactly banging down the door, but they were dominating the game and the opening goal on 28 minutes did come against the run of play. A swift attack saw Anwar El Ghazi drift out to the left where he played a ball across the box, and Guilbert arrived ahead of Ben Chilwell to prod home.
The goal saw Villa's confidence rise, and they should have doubled their lead on 42 minutes. Grealish swung a dangerous free-kick into the area right onto the head of Ezri Konsa, who beat Kasper Schmeichel to the ball but rattled the crossbar with his attempt. It was a huge let-off for Leicester.
Brendan Rodgers switched things around at half-time as he introduced Hamza Choudhury for Dennis Praet in midfield, but Villa still looked relatively comfortable in defence. It took until the 63rd minute for Leicester to test Nyland again, as he kept out a fierce James Maddison effort from eight yards. Maddison went close again 10 minutes later, but once again Nyland was there to deny him from a tight angle.
Villa had defended brilliantly for 75 minutes, but a lapse in concentration allowed Leicester in for the equaliser. Douglas Luiz was caught in possession deep in his own half from a free-kick, and Vardy sprung to life to nick it and feed in Iheanacho. He then took a few touches to get into the box before hitting a powerful effort past Nyland.
From that moment it was only Leicester in the game as they sought a goal that would give them the lead in the tie. Vardy got in behind on 82 minutes but slammed an effort into the side netting, and there would be no further way through to leave the tie perfectly poised ahead of the second leg.
Sky Sports
Leicester City 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Leicester qualified comfortably for the FA Cup fourth round as they proved too good for Championship Wigan Athletic.
The Latics, who won the cup in 2013, fell behind when Tom Pearce scored an own goal on his Wigan debut, steering the ball past team-mate David Marshall.
Harvey Barnes had an effort well saved before he added a second, although his strike went in off Cheyenne Dunkley.
Leicester, second in the Premier League, could have scored a third but an unmarked Dennis Praet headed wide. Wigan substitute Jamal Lowe thought he had pulled one back when he volleyed in but it was ruled out after a check from the video assistant referee showed there had been an offside earlier in the move.
The Foxes are in the middle of a gruelling schedule that will see them play nine times between 14 December and 11 January and boss Brendan Rodgers will be pleased at the routine nature of a victory against a side in the bottom three of the Championship. Rodgers had successfully rotated his squad in their past two Premier League wins and only left-back Ben Chilwell remained in the starting line-up from the side that won 3-0 at Newcastle on 1 January.
Striker Jamie Vardy, back in training after a calf injury, was not risked, while midfielders James Maddison and Ayoze Perez were unused substitutes. Caglar Soyuncu had also been on the bench, although the Turkish defender had to come on after 25 minutes when club captain Wes Morgan, 35, went off injured. A 19th-minute own goal from Pearce, who fell over his own feet as he tried to clear Marc Albrighton's low cross, gave the Foxes a lead they never looked like losing. Barnes nearly made it 2-0 a few minutes later only to be denied by an excellent save from visiting goalkeeper Marshall.
But a quick counter-attack just before the break, which ended with Barnes' shot clipping Dunkley and looping over Marshall, saw Leicester double their advantage and move them into the fourth round for the sixth time in nine seasons. Leicester are next in action on Wednesday when they entertain Aston Villa in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Analysis - Andy Reid, ex-Nottingham Forest and Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live
Brendan Rodgers has to take a lot of credit for how he has managed this Leicester team over the Christmas period. The way he has been able to freshen up the side and give people a rest means they are looking really, really strong for the run-in.
It was a thoroughly professional job by Leicester and they went about the performance in the right way. Wigan did not do themselves any disservice at all. They worked hard and had a good shape but they never really had the quality to threaten Leicester.
BBC Sport
Leicester qualified comfortably for the FA Cup fourth round as they proved too good for Championship Wigan Athletic.
The Latics, who won the cup in 2013, fell behind when Tom Pearce scored an own goal on his Wigan debut, steering the ball past team-mate David Marshall.
Harvey Barnes had an effort well saved before he added a second, although his strike went in off Cheyenne Dunkley.
Leicester, second in the Premier League, could have scored a third but an unmarked Dennis Praet headed wide. Wigan substitute Jamal Lowe thought he had pulled one back when he volleyed in but it was ruled out after a check from the video assistant referee showed there had been an offside earlier in the move.
The Foxes are in the middle of a gruelling schedule that will see them play nine times between 14 December and 11 January and boss Brendan Rodgers will be pleased at the routine nature of a victory against a side in the bottom three of the Championship. Rodgers had successfully rotated his squad in their past two Premier League wins and only left-back Ben Chilwell remained in the starting line-up from the side that won 3-0 at Newcastle on 1 January.
Striker Jamie Vardy, back in training after a calf injury, was not risked, while midfielders James Maddison and Ayoze Perez were unused substitutes. Caglar Soyuncu had also been on the bench, although the Turkish defender had to come on after 25 minutes when club captain Wes Morgan, 35, went off injured. A 19th-minute own goal from Pearce, who fell over his own feet as he tried to clear Marc Albrighton's low cross, gave the Foxes a lead they never looked like losing. Barnes nearly made it 2-0 a few minutes later only to be denied by an excellent save from visiting goalkeeper Marshall.
But a quick counter-attack just before the break, which ended with Barnes' shot clipping Dunkley and looping over Marshall, saw Leicester double their advantage and move them into the fourth round for the sixth time in nine seasons. Leicester are next in action on Wednesday when they entertain Aston Villa in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Analysis - Andy Reid, ex-Nottingham Forest and Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live
Brendan Rodgers has to take a lot of credit for how he has managed this Leicester team over the Christmas period. The way he has been able to freshen up the side and give people a rest means they are looking really, really strong for the run-in.
It was a thoroughly professional job by Leicester and they went about the performance in the right way. Wigan did not do themselves any disservice at all. They worked hard and had a good shape but they never really had the quality to threaten Leicester.
BBC Sport
Leicester now interested in Merih Demiral on loan from Juventus
Leicester's recruitment team have spoken to Caglar Soyuncu about his countryman
Leicester are interested in Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral and are considering the possibility of a loan deal for the Turkey international, Sky Sports News understands.
Sky in Italy are reporting that the Foxes have had a bid in excess of £25.5m for the defender rejected by the Italian champions. Juventus are also reported to have turned down an offer of £34m from Borussia Dortmund for the 21-year-old.
However, it is thought Leicester's preference is to see how Demiral would adjust to life in the Premier League before committing to a substantive deal.
Leicester's recruitment team have spoken to Caglar Soyuncu about the qualities of his countryman as they look to strengthen their defensive options following the departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United in the summer.
Demiral joined Juventus from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo in July but has struggled to make an impact in Turin, playing just five times.
He is predominantly a centre-back but can also play at right-back.
Leicester have largely relied on Jonny Evans and Soyuncu in the centre of defence this season, with the pair making 49 appearances between them in all competitions.
They have helped the Foxes earn the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 19 goals in 21 games.
Sky Sports
Leicester's recruitment team have spoken to Caglar Soyuncu about his countryman
Leicester are interested in Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral and are considering the possibility of a loan deal for the Turkey international, Sky Sports News understands.
Sky in Italy are reporting that the Foxes have had a bid in excess of £25.5m for the defender rejected by the Italian champions. Juventus are also reported to have turned down an offer of £34m from Borussia Dortmund for the 21-year-old.
However, it is thought Leicester's preference is to see how Demiral would adjust to life in the Premier League before committing to a substantive deal.
Leicester's recruitment team have spoken to Caglar Soyuncu about the qualities of his countryman as they look to strengthen their defensive options following the departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United in the summer.
Demiral joined Juventus from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo in July but has struggled to make an impact in Turin, playing just five times.
He is predominantly a centre-back but can also play at right-back.
Leicester have largely relied on Jonny Evans and Soyuncu in the centre of defence this season, with the pair making 49 appearances between them in all competitions.
They have helped the Foxes earn the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 19 goals in 21 games.
Sky Sports
Leicester's Merih Demiral bid rejected by Juventus
Leicester have had a bid in excess of £25.5m for defender Merih Demiral rejected by Juventus, according to Sky in Italy.
The Italian champions are also reported to have turned down an offer of £34m from Borussia Dortmund for the 21-year-old.
Demiral joined Juventus from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo in July but has struggled to make an impact in Turin, playing just five times.
He is predominantly a centre-back but can also play at right-back, and has 12 caps for Turkey.
Leicester have predominantly relied on Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in the centre of defence this season, with the pair making 49 appearances between them in all competitions.
They have helped the Foxes earn the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 19 goals in 21 games.
Sky Sports
Leicester have had a bid in excess of £25.5m for defender Merih Demiral rejected by Juventus, according to Sky in Italy.
The Italian champions are also reported to have turned down an offer of £34m from Borussia Dortmund for the 21-year-old.
Demiral joined Juventus from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo in July but has struggled to make an impact in Turin, playing just five times.
He is predominantly a centre-back but can also play at right-back, and has 12 caps for Turkey.
Leicester have predominantly relied on Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in the centre of defence this season, with the pair making 49 appearances between them in all competitions.
They have helped the Foxes earn the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 19 goals in 21 games.
Sky Sports
NO CHANCE - Leicester transfer news: Brendan Rodgers adamant no player the club want to keep will leave in January
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is adamant none of his key players will be leaving the club in the January transfer window.
The former Liverpool and Celtic boss is determined to keep a squad together which has surpassed all expectations already this season, with the Foxes currently lying second in the Premier League table.
Talented playmaker James Maddison has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, while fellow England international Ben Chilwell is also reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea. Speaking ahead of Leicester’s FA Cup tie against Wigan on Saturday, Rodgers said: “Nobody will leave here that we don’t want to go.
“I think we’ve had a couple of enquiries in terms of loans and for some of our younger players.“But the players that are always talked about and mentioned, there will be nobody going.” “We know if we’re going to be playing European football next season then we’re going to need the depth, but January is a very difficult month.”
The Foxes are in the market to strengthen over the next few weeks, with Rodgers keen to build on an excellent first half of the season. But the Northern Irishman says he is happy to work with the players he has if no new faces are brought in.
“I think we’ll see if we can improve the squad, and if we don’t then we’ll have to wait until the summer,” Rodgers said. “But as I’ve said before we’re in a really good place and we don’t want to stockpile. “They have to be players that are going to improve the squad.
“If I don’t sign anyone I’m so happy to work with the players I have. “That’s because I know there’s still a lot of improvement to make and that the right player hasn’t been available to us. “So I don’t worry about that because we put our focus into the team and the players that are here.”
TalkSport
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is adamant none of his key players will be leaving the club in the January transfer window.
The former Liverpool and Celtic boss is determined to keep a squad together which has surpassed all expectations already this season, with the Foxes currently lying second in the Premier League table.
Talented playmaker James Maddison has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, while fellow England international Ben Chilwell is also reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea. Speaking ahead of Leicester’s FA Cup tie against Wigan on Saturday, Rodgers said: “Nobody will leave here that we don’t want to go.
“I think we’ve had a couple of enquiries in terms of loans and for some of our younger players.“But the players that are always talked about and mentioned, there will be nobody going.” “We know if we’re going to be playing European football next season then we’re going to need the depth, but January is a very difficult month.”
The Foxes are in the market to strengthen over the next few weeks, with Rodgers keen to build on an excellent first half of the season. But the Northern Irishman says he is happy to work with the players he has if no new faces are brought in.
“I think we’ll see if we can improve the squad, and if we don’t then we’ll have to wait until the summer,” Rodgers said. “But as I’ve said before we’re in a really good place and we don’t want to stockpile. “They have to be players that are going to improve the squad.
“If I don’t sign anyone I’m so happy to work with the players I have. “That’s because I know there’s still a lot of improvement to make and that the right player hasn’t been available to us. “So I don’t worry about that because we put our focus into the team and the players that are here.”
TalkSport
Newcastle United 0-3 Leicester City
Foxes cruise past injury-struck Magpies
Leicester cruised to a 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park after the hosts were forced to play most of the second half with 10 men due to injuries.
Newcastle sat deep early on and allowed the visitors, who had a staggering 77 per cent possession, to pass along their defensive lines. But former Magpies forward Ayoze Perez capitalised on a loose pass from Florian Lejeune in the 36th minute to open the scoring.
Lejeune produced another shocking loose ball three minutes later and Perez intercepted again, threading a pass to James Maddison, who smashed a 25-yard rocket past Martin Dubravka. Two goals down, Steve Bruce's woes were compounded with three quickfire injuries to Jetro Willems, Javier Manquillo and Jonjo Shelvey, resulting in all substitutes being used by half-time, while DeAndre Yedlin also broke his hand but completed the full 90 minutes.
Fabian Schar then pulled up with a hamstring injury just five minutes into the second half and Newcastle were down to 10 men, although they did not concede again until the 87th minute when substitute Hamza Choudhury hit a stunning third for the Foxes.
Newcastle failed to engage as Leicester dominated possession early on in their defensive and middle thirds, maintaining defensive banks to prevent space for the Foxes' customary fast breaks. But that game plan was shattered when Lejeune made a poor pass across his own penalty area for Perez to intercept, and he found the back of the net as he tumbled from a Schar's desperate lunge.
Having only started three league games this season, Lejeune produced another hospital ball minutes later into the path of a ruthless Perez, with Maddison completing the turnover by despatching past Dubravka in emphatic fashion.
The injuries that followed quashed any chance of a Newcastle recovery, but still Leicester struggled to carve clear-cut chances in front of goal and Steve Bruce's side may well have hung on without the costly errors and a more clinical edge. The Magpies should have been ahead on 25 minutes after Shelvey launched a pass over Leicester's defence, but Joelinton looked sluggish waiting to shoot, allowing Caglar Soyuncu to intervene and his shot bounced off Kasper Schmeichel.
The loss comes after back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Everton and now marks a clear dip after a sustained period of form going into the festive period - but the four injuries could prove far more costly than the result.
Sky Sports
Foxes cruise past injury-struck Magpies
Leicester cruised to a 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park after the hosts were forced to play most of the second half with 10 men due to injuries.
Newcastle sat deep early on and allowed the visitors, who had a staggering 77 per cent possession, to pass along their defensive lines. But former Magpies forward Ayoze Perez capitalised on a loose pass from Florian Lejeune in the 36th minute to open the scoring.
Lejeune produced another shocking loose ball three minutes later and Perez intercepted again, threading a pass to James Maddison, who smashed a 25-yard rocket past Martin Dubravka. Two goals down, Steve Bruce's woes were compounded with three quickfire injuries to Jetro Willems, Javier Manquillo and Jonjo Shelvey, resulting in all substitutes being used by half-time, while DeAndre Yedlin also broke his hand but completed the full 90 minutes.
Fabian Schar then pulled up with a hamstring injury just five minutes into the second half and Newcastle were down to 10 men, although they did not concede again until the 87th minute when substitute Hamza Choudhury hit a stunning third for the Foxes.
Newcastle failed to engage as Leicester dominated possession early on in their defensive and middle thirds, maintaining defensive banks to prevent space for the Foxes' customary fast breaks. But that game plan was shattered when Lejeune made a poor pass across his own penalty area for Perez to intercept, and he found the back of the net as he tumbled from a Schar's desperate lunge.
Having only started three league games this season, Lejeune produced another hospital ball minutes later into the path of a ruthless Perez, with Maddison completing the turnover by despatching past Dubravka in emphatic fashion.
The injuries that followed quashed any chance of a Newcastle recovery, but still Leicester struggled to carve clear-cut chances in front of goal and Steve Bruce's side may well have hung on without the costly errors and a more clinical edge. The Magpies should have been ahead on 25 minutes after Shelvey launched a pass over Leicester's defence, but Joelinton looked sluggish waiting to shoot, allowing Caglar Soyuncu to intervene and his shot bounced off Kasper Schmeichel.
The loss comes after back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Everton and now marks a clear dip after a sustained period of form going into the festive period - but the four injuries could prove far more costly than the result.
Sky Sports
Leicester City and the January transfer window
Analysing and debating what to expect from Leicester City in the January transfer window - who could they sign and who might depart?
What has the manager said? - Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said in November: "I am very, very happy with the squad that we have, where we have taken them over the last eight months and still the improvements left to be made. "But of course, every window provides an opportunity. If there is someone available that we can strengthen the squad with, then of course the club will be very keen to look at that.
"But of course, it all boils down to the availability of a player and affordability. We are not a club that can do what some other clubs can do at the higher level of this league.
"We are always looking to improve the squad and if we can do something, great, if not, I'm happy with the players we have got."
What did Leicester City do in the summer? - Leicester's biggest summer business was selling Harry Maguire to Manchester United for £80m. They spent the money wisely too, bringing in Youri Tielemans on a permanent deal from Monaco (£35m), Ayzoe Perez from Newcastle (£30m) and Dennis Praet from Sampdoria (£18m).
Danny Simpson and Shinji Okazaki were released while Islam Slimani and Andy King were sent out on loan.
Who have they been linked with? - Jarrod Bowen, Hull City [Daily Mirror]; Ibrahima Diallo, Brest [France Football]; Robin Koch, Freiburg [Daily Mail]; Daniele Rugani, Juventus [Daily Mail] Who could depart?Filip Benkovic, Derby County [Sky Sports News]; Ricardo Pereira, Manchester United [Daily Express]; Rachid Ghezzal, Atalanta [Gazzetta dello Sport]
Analysis: What to expect this January by Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett - "Brendan Rodgers' priority will be keeping hold of his star players, and their outstanding start to the campaign has nullified the need for urgent additions."The sale of Harry Maguire left a hole in central defence and a surplus in the coffers, so a centre-back is still the main target this winter, despite Caglar Soyuncu's emergence. Burnley's James Tarkowski was on the radar in the summer, as was Bournemouth's Nathan Ake, and they are understood to remain so.
"The resurgence of Kelechi Iheanacho has nullified the need for another striker, probably until the summer at least, but Rodgers would be keen to add another versatile forward to his ranks if one of sufficient quality is available.
"Meanwhile it is thought Rodgers would like to trim his squad during this window with Andy King, Islam Slimani, Foussani Diabate and Rachid Ghazzal all out on loan. Filip Benkovic, Nampalys Mendy and Matty James are all outside the Premier League 25-man squad, so they're available at the right price too."
Sky Sports
Analysing and debating what to expect from Leicester City in the January transfer window - who could they sign and who might depart?
What has the manager said? - Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said in November: "I am very, very happy with the squad that we have, where we have taken them over the last eight months and still the improvements left to be made. "But of course, every window provides an opportunity. If there is someone available that we can strengthen the squad with, then of course the club will be very keen to look at that.
"But of course, it all boils down to the availability of a player and affordability. We are not a club that can do what some other clubs can do at the higher level of this league.
"We are always looking to improve the squad and if we can do something, great, if not, I'm happy with the players we have got."
What did Leicester City do in the summer? - Leicester's biggest summer business was selling Harry Maguire to Manchester United for £80m. They spent the money wisely too, bringing in Youri Tielemans on a permanent deal from Monaco (£35m), Ayzoe Perez from Newcastle (£30m) and Dennis Praet from Sampdoria (£18m).
Danny Simpson and Shinji Okazaki were released while Islam Slimani and Andy King were sent out on loan.
Who have they been linked with? - Jarrod Bowen, Hull City [Daily Mirror]; Ibrahima Diallo, Brest [France Football]; Robin Koch, Freiburg [Daily Mail]; Daniele Rugani, Juventus [Daily Mail] Who could depart?Filip Benkovic, Derby County [Sky Sports News]; Ricardo Pereira, Manchester United [Daily Express]; Rachid Ghezzal, Atalanta [Gazzetta dello Sport]
Analysis: What to expect this January by Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett - "Brendan Rodgers' priority will be keeping hold of his star players, and their outstanding start to the campaign has nullified the need for urgent additions."The sale of Harry Maguire left a hole in central defence and a surplus in the coffers, so a centre-back is still the main target this winter, despite Caglar Soyuncu's emergence. Burnley's James Tarkowski was on the radar in the summer, as was Bournemouth's Nathan Ake, and they are understood to remain so.
"The resurgence of Kelechi Iheanacho has nullified the need for another striker, probably until the summer at least, but Rodgers would be keen to add another versatile forward to his ranks if one of sufficient quality is available.
"Meanwhile it is thought Rodgers would like to trim his squad during this window with Andy King, Islam Slimani, Foussani Diabate and Rachid Ghazzal all out on loan. Filip Benkovic, Nampalys Mendy and Matty James are all outside the Premier League 25-man squad, so they're available at the right price too."
Sky Sports
West Ham United 1-2 Leicester City
Pressure builds on Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini
West Ham's miserable home record continued as defeat by a much-changed Leicester side left them stuck in a Premier League relegation battle.
Boos from the Hammers fans greeted the final whistle at London Stadium as Manuel Pellegrini's side racked up a fourth straight home defeat. Second-placed Leicester, who made nine changes from the Boxing Day defeat by Liverpool, had a measure of control throughout and deservedly won through Demarai Gray's composed second-half finish.
Gray did see an early penalty saved by Hammers keeper Lukasz Fabiasnki, but the Foxes still took the lead through Kelechi Iheanacho's instinctive close-range header.
West Ham levelled through Pablo Fornals' precise finish on the cusp of half-time, but they could not build on that in the second half. Instead it was Leicester who were the more composed, illustrated by the slick move and finish by Gray which consolidated second place ahead of Manchester City.
The Foxes are four clear of City, who have a game in hand, but trail runaway leaders Liverpool, who have played two games fewer, by 10 points.West Ham remain fourth bottom, a point clear of the relegation zone, although they have played one game fewer than their rivals at the bottom because of Liverpool's triumphant involvement in the recent Club World Cup.
Having failed to win any of their five previous home matches, Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini demanded an improvement in his side's results at London Stadium.
Yet they produced another tepid performance in front of their own fans, lacking leadership, organisation and fight as they failed to win at home for the sixth game in a row.
And that run of four consecutive home Premier League defeats has equalled the club record set from November 2005 to January 2006 at Upton Park.
Pellegrini's future has already come under scrutiny, with the reaction at the final whistle from those left in the sparsely-filled stands clearly illustrating what they thought of the performance. The Chilean's decision to replace striker Sebastien Haller with Michail Antonio, instead of pairing them together in a more attacking move, was also greeted with jeers and left Pellegrini in little doubt that the patience of the Hammers fans is wearing thin.
A performance of similar ineptitude against relegation rivals Bournemouth on New Year's Day may leave the Hammers hierarchy with little choice but to remove Pellegrini in a bid to stop the slide towards the relegation zone.
Another short turnaround for both teams with more Premier League matches taking place on New Year's Day. The Hammers have another huge home game when they host Bournemouth, who are one place and one point above them, at 17:30 GMT. Leicester again go on the road, travelling up to Newcastle for a 15:00 GMT kick-off.
BBC Sport
Pressure builds on Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini
West Ham's miserable home record continued as defeat by a much-changed Leicester side left them stuck in a Premier League relegation battle.
Boos from the Hammers fans greeted the final whistle at London Stadium as Manuel Pellegrini's side racked up a fourth straight home defeat. Second-placed Leicester, who made nine changes from the Boxing Day defeat by Liverpool, had a measure of control throughout and deservedly won through Demarai Gray's composed second-half finish.
Gray did see an early penalty saved by Hammers keeper Lukasz Fabiasnki, but the Foxes still took the lead through Kelechi Iheanacho's instinctive close-range header.
West Ham levelled through Pablo Fornals' precise finish on the cusp of half-time, but they could not build on that in the second half. Instead it was Leicester who were the more composed, illustrated by the slick move and finish by Gray which consolidated second place ahead of Manchester City.
The Foxes are four clear of City, who have a game in hand, but trail runaway leaders Liverpool, who have played two games fewer, by 10 points.West Ham remain fourth bottom, a point clear of the relegation zone, although they have played one game fewer than their rivals at the bottom because of Liverpool's triumphant involvement in the recent Club World Cup.
Having failed to win any of their five previous home matches, Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini demanded an improvement in his side's results at London Stadium.
Yet they produced another tepid performance in front of their own fans, lacking leadership, organisation and fight as they failed to win at home for the sixth game in a row.
And that run of four consecutive home Premier League defeats has equalled the club record set from November 2005 to January 2006 at Upton Park.
Pellegrini's future has already come under scrutiny, with the reaction at the final whistle from those left in the sparsely-filled stands clearly illustrating what they thought of the performance. The Chilean's decision to replace striker Sebastien Haller with Michail Antonio, instead of pairing them together in a more attacking move, was also greeted with jeers and left Pellegrini in little doubt that the patience of the Hammers fans is wearing thin.
A performance of similar ineptitude against relegation rivals Bournemouth on New Year's Day may leave the Hammers hierarchy with little choice but to remove Pellegrini in a bid to stop the slide towards the relegation zone.
Another short turnaround for both teams with more Premier League matches taking place on New Year's Day. The Hammers have another huge home game when they host Bournemouth, who are one place and one point above them, at 17:30 GMT. Leicester again go on the road, travelling up to Newcastle for a 15:00 GMT kick-off.
BBC Sport
Leicester 0-4 Liverpool
Reds thrash nearest rivals to extend lead
Jurgen Klopp's side move 13 points clear at the top of the table to strengthen their grip on a first Premier League title
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic 4-0 win over closest challengers Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Two goals from Roberto Firmino, a penalty by substitute James Milner and a sweet strike by star of the show Trent Alexander-Arnold gave the newly crowned world champions a thoroughly deserved victory.
It is 35 league games unbeaten for Jurgen Klopp's side now and with their advantage currently standing at 13 points it seems unlikely that they will be denied a first league title in 30 years. Alexander-Arnold tested Kasper Schmeichel inside 40 seconds and Sadio Mane should have scored moments after that as Liverpool gave an early indication of the troubles they would cause Leicester's back-line.
Mohamed Salah had missed a good chance even before rounding Schmeichel and hitting the side-netting in the 11th minute and when Jordan Henderson had a shot deflected over soon after, the home side were rocking. Brendan Rodgers, up against his former club, might have hoped his team had regrouped by the half-hour mark but a long spell of possession resulted in Firmino's opening goal.
Alexander-Arnold popped up on the left and his curling cross eluded Ben Chilwell at the far post to allow Firmino to head low past the outstretched leg of Schmeichel. With Jonny Evans struggling to cope with Liverpool's movement, Mane had a wonderful chance to double the lead within minutes only to see his shot well saved by Schmeichel.
Leicester were lucky to get to the break just one goal behind but the pattern of the game only became more pronounced after the interval as they struggled to get out of their own half.
Just when they managed to build up some pressure of their own, Liverpool won a corner on the counter-attack and Caglar Soyuncu was adjudged to have committed handball from the subsequent cross.
Milner, who had only come on seconds earlier, converted the resultant spot-kick with ease by sending Schmeichel the wrong way and any lingering resistance from Leicester was extinguished. Firmino added his second of the night on 74 minutes when he finished off a move that he had started - calmly slotting home yet another Alexander-Arnold cross.
And then Alexander-Arnold was there rampaging up the right-wing yet again to connect beautifully with Mane's lay-off before embracing the adulation of the away fans in the corner of the King Power Stadium.
What a night for Liverpool. What a month for Liverpool. What a year for Liverpool. In this form, it is difficult to imagine that next year will not bring that long-awaited Premier League title.
Sky Sports
Reds thrash nearest rivals to extend lead
Jurgen Klopp's side move 13 points clear at the top of the table to strengthen their grip on a first Premier League title
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic 4-0 win over closest challengers Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Two goals from Roberto Firmino, a penalty by substitute James Milner and a sweet strike by star of the show Trent Alexander-Arnold gave the newly crowned world champions a thoroughly deserved victory.
It is 35 league games unbeaten for Jurgen Klopp's side now and with their advantage currently standing at 13 points it seems unlikely that they will be denied a first league title in 30 years. Alexander-Arnold tested Kasper Schmeichel inside 40 seconds and Sadio Mane should have scored moments after that as Liverpool gave an early indication of the troubles they would cause Leicester's back-line.
Mohamed Salah had missed a good chance even before rounding Schmeichel and hitting the side-netting in the 11th minute and when Jordan Henderson had a shot deflected over soon after, the home side were rocking. Brendan Rodgers, up against his former club, might have hoped his team had regrouped by the half-hour mark but a long spell of possession resulted in Firmino's opening goal.
Alexander-Arnold popped up on the left and his curling cross eluded Ben Chilwell at the far post to allow Firmino to head low past the outstretched leg of Schmeichel. With Jonny Evans struggling to cope with Liverpool's movement, Mane had a wonderful chance to double the lead within minutes only to see his shot well saved by Schmeichel.
Leicester were lucky to get to the break just one goal behind but the pattern of the game only became more pronounced after the interval as they struggled to get out of their own half.
Just when they managed to build up some pressure of their own, Liverpool won a corner on the counter-attack and Caglar Soyuncu was adjudged to have committed handball from the subsequent cross.
Milner, who had only come on seconds earlier, converted the resultant spot-kick with ease by sending Schmeichel the wrong way and any lingering resistance from Leicester was extinguished. Firmino added his second of the night on 74 minutes when he finished off a move that he had started - calmly slotting home yet another Alexander-Arnold cross.
And then Alexander-Arnold was there rampaging up the right-wing yet again to connect beautifully with Mane's lay-off before embracing the adulation of the away fans in the corner of the King Power Stadium.
What a night for Liverpool. What a month for Liverpool. What a year for Liverpool. In this form, it is difficult to imagine that next year will not bring that long-awaited Premier League title.
Sky Sports
Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City
Jesus scores at Christmas to dent Leicester's title hopes
Liverpool remain 10 points clear at the top of the table after an enthralling battle between their two nearest rivals saw Manchester City fight back from a goal down to beat Leicester.
Pep Guardiola's side stay third despite this impressive victory, a point behind the Foxes and 11 behind the leaders - who now have a game in hand - but this was a timely reminder of how good the defending champions are at their best.
Manchester City had to do it the hard way, falling behind to Jamie Vardy's superbly taken breakaway goal, but inspired by a magnificent performance by Kevin de Bruyne, they roared back to take the points.
Vardy silenced the Etihad Stadium when he raced on to Harvey Barnes' pass, out-paced Fernandinho and chipped Ederson to score with Leicester's first effort at goal.
The home side had dominated the early exchanges but, for the fourth home league game in a row, they found themselves behind and, just as in their defeat here by Manchester United, looking vulnerable to fast counter-attacks.
While that game had ended in demoralising defeat for Manchester City, this one would have a very different outcome.Guardiola continued to urge his players forward, despite the danger posed by Vardy on the break, and they were soon level.
Riyad Mahrez, who was being half-heartedly booed by fans of his former club, cut in from the right and fired in a low shot that cannoned off Caglar Soyuncu and left Kasper Schmeichel helpless. Leicester dug in, with Schmeichel making a series of saves to ensure the hosts had to wait to turn their vastly superior possession into further goals, but he could not delay the inevitable for long.
Three minutes before the break, Ricardo Pereira lunged in on Raheem Sterling inside the box and, after Mike Dean pointed to the spot, Ilkay Gundogan fired his penalty into the bottom corner. Things continued in a similar pattern after half-time, with De Bruyne running the show and Leicester clinging on - knowing that while they were only one goal down they had a chance.
Mahrez and De Bruyne, who had hit the post when the score was 0-0, were unable to convert golden chances to finish the Foxes off but, fittingly, it was the Belgian who helped make the points safe with his 13th assist of the season.
He burst into the box with an unstoppable run down the right and squared for Gabriel Jesus to slide home his side's third goal at the far post.
De Bruyne departed, exhausted, to a standing ovation just before the end and was given a huge hug by his manager, both of which were fully deserved.
BBC Sport
Jesus scores at Christmas to dent Leicester's title hopes
Liverpool remain 10 points clear at the top of the table after an enthralling battle between their two nearest rivals saw Manchester City fight back from a goal down to beat Leicester.
Pep Guardiola's side stay third despite this impressive victory, a point behind the Foxes and 11 behind the leaders - who now have a game in hand - but this was a timely reminder of how good the defending champions are at their best.
Manchester City had to do it the hard way, falling behind to Jamie Vardy's superbly taken breakaway goal, but inspired by a magnificent performance by Kevin de Bruyne, they roared back to take the points.
Vardy silenced the Etihad Stadium when he raced on to Harvey Barnes' pass, out-paced Fernandinho and chipped Ederson to score with Leicester's first effort at goal.
The home side had dominated the early exchanges but, for the fourth home league game in a row, they found themselves behind and, just as in their defeat here by Manchester United, looking vulnerable to fast counter-attacks.
While that game had ended in demoralising defeat for Manchester City, this one would have a very different outcome.Guardiola continued to urge his players forward, despite the danger posed by Vardy on the break, and they were soon level.
Riyad Mahrez, who was being half-heartedly booed by fans of his former club, cut in from the right and fired in a low shot that cannoned off Caglar Soyuncu and left Kasper Schmeichel helpless. Leicester dug in, with Schmeichel making a series of saves to ensure the hosts had to wait to turn their vastly superior possession into further goals, but he could not delay the inevitable for long.
Three minutes before the break, Ricardo Pereira lunged in on Raheem Sterling inside the box and, after Mike Dean pointed to the spot, Ilkay Gundogan fired his penalty into the bottom corner. Things continued in a similar pattern after half-time, with De Bruyne running the show and Leicester clinging on - knowing that while they were only one goal down they had a chance.
Mahrez and De Bruyne, who had hit the post when the score was 0-0, were unable to convert golden chances to finish the Foxes off but, fittingly, it was the Belgian who helped make the points safe with his 13th assist of the season.
He burst into the box with an unstoppable run down the right and squared for Gabriel Jesus to slide home his side's third goal at the far post.
De Bruyne departed, exhausted, to a standing ovation just before the end and was given a huge hug by his manager, both of which were fully deserved.
BBC Sport
Everton 2-2 (2-4 pens) Leicester City
Leicester City survived a second-half Everton comeback to win 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The Foxes had raced ahead with two goals in three first-half minutes from James Maddison and Jonny Evans. But Tom Davies got Everton back into it with a volley before Leighton Baines' strike meant a shootout was needed.
Kasper Schmeichel made two saves before Jamie Vardy converted the decisive penalty to send Leicester through. Victory means the Foxes have reached the League Cup semi-finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign, when they went on to win the trophy.
It was a dramatic end to a game that Leicester had looked unlikely to lose for an hour, with the Foxes comfortable at 2-0 up.
The win will have come as a relief for boss Brendan Rodgers, whose team selection suggested he sees this competition as a realistic route to a trophy, despite his side sitting second in the Premier League.
Rodgers made just three changes for the game, despite upcoming league fixtures against Manchester City and leaders Liverpool, and the Foxes came flying out of the traps as they attacked with pace and precision.
Everton's two second-half goals would, on the face of it, suggest a worrying capitulation, particularly after Leicester were held by Norwich at the weekend.
But in truth, they should have been out of sight long before Everton got back into the game, with Ayoze Perez seeing a powerful long-range strike tipped over by Jordan Pickford before the Toffees keeper denied Dennis Praet with his feet.
In the end they got the job done with the reliable Vardy coolly despatching his penalty to put Leicester into the last four.
BBC
Leicester City survived a second-half Everton comeback to win 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The Foxes had raced ahead with two goals in three first-half minutes from James Maddison and Jonny Evans. But Tom Davies got Everton back into it with a volley before Leighton Baines' strike meant a shootout was needed.
Kasper Schmeichel made two saves before Jamie Vardy converted the decisive penalty to send Leicester through. Victory means the Foxes have reached the League Cup semi-finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign, when they went on to win the trophy.
It was a dramatic end to a game that Leicester had looked unlikely to lose for an hour, with the Foxes comfortable at 2-0 up.
The win will have come as a relief for boss Brendan Rodgers, whose team selection suggested he sees this competition as a realistic route to a trophy, despite his side sitting second in the Premier League.
Rodgers made just three changes for the game, despite upcoming league fixtures against Manchester City and leaders Liverpool, and the Foxes came flying out of the traps as they attacked with pace and precision.
Everton's two second-half goals would, on the face of it, suggest a worrying capitulation, particularly after Leicester were held by Norwich at the weekend.
But in truth, they should have been out of sight long before Everton got back into the game, with Ayoze Perez seeing a powerful long-range strike tipped over by Jordan Pickford before the Toffees keeper denied Dennis Praet with his feet.
In the end they got the job done with the reliable Vardy coolly despatching his penalty to put Leicester into the last four.
BBC
Liverpool among clubs monitoring talented young Coventry defender Sam McCallum with Leicester also watching the 19-year-old
Liverpool are among a number of clubs who are maintaining a watching brief on Coventry City's exciting young left-back Sam McCallum.
The 19-year-old has been exceeding expectations with his performances in League One and that has attracted attention from the Premier League leaders as well as Aston Villa, Leicester and West Brom among others.
McCallum is a graduate of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy's V9 Academy and was picked up by Coventry from non-league Herne Bay in 2018 after being spotted by the club's scouts.
He has made 19 appearances this season and scored once for Mark Robins's side. Coventry insist clubs have yet to make a formal enquiry for McCallum but acknowledge the teenager has received plenty of attention from other clubs.
Andrew Robertson is firmly established as Liverpool's first-choice left-back, but McCallum would provide another option if that department should he join.
Although he has mainly been deployed at left-back, McCallum has also shown his versatility this season, featuring as a left wing-back and at right-back.
Daily Mail
Liverpool are among a number of clubs who are maintaining a watching brief on Coventry City's exciting young left-back Sam McCallum.
The 19-year-old has been exceeding expectations with his performances in League One and that has attracted attention from the Premier League leaders as well as Aston Villa, Leicester and West Brom among others.
McCallum is a graduate of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy's V9 Academy and was picked up by Coventry from non-league Herne Bay in 2018 after being spotted by the club's scouts.
He has made 19 appearances this season and scored once for Mark Robins's side. Coventry insist clubs have yet to make a formal enquiry for McCallum but acknowledge the teenager has received plenty of attention from other clubs.
Andrew Robertson is firmly established as Liverpool's first-choice left-back, but McCallum would provide another option if that department should he join.
Although he has mainly been deployed at left-back, McCallum has also shown his versatility this season, featuring as a left wing-back and at right-back.
Daily Mail
Leicester City 1-1 Norwich City
Leicester were dealt a huge blow in the Premier League title race as they were held to a draw by a battling Norwich at King Power Stadium.
The Foxes, who remain second, now lie 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool, following their hard-fought win over Watford in Saturday's early game.
Norwich, who were impressive, deservedly took the lead when Teemu Pukki slotted home after being sent through by Emiliano Buendia. But their lead only lasted 12 minutes as Leicester equalised when Jamie Vardy's bullet header was turned into the net by Norwich keeper Tim Krul.
Both sides pressed for a winner in an entertaining second half, with Vardy twice going close, but neither side could find a way through.
The point sees Norwich close the gap on Aston Villa and Southampton, who play in Saturday's late game, to three points but they remain 19th.
Having reached a club-record eight consecutive Premier League wins last week with victory over Aston Villa, the Foxes had the chance to equal their club record for wins in all competitions against the Canaries (10). However, they failed to produce neither the result nor the performance that had seen them sweep aside the likes of Villa, Watford and Brighton in weeks gone by.
Of course there were chances for Brendan Rodgers' side to win it but the ruthless touch they have displayed throughout 2019-20 eluded them. James Maddison was bright as usual, as was Youri Tielemans, but neither of them were able to prise open a resolute Norwich backline; Wilfred Ndidi should have twice done better with free headers from Maddison deliveries.
Vardy, who had found the net in his previous eight league games, was expertly denied by Krul late on while the former England man could only find the woodwork after rounding the Canaries keeper early in the second half.
And while he may have thought he'd kept his impressive run of scoring going in the first half when his header was deflected in by Krul, his run of goals was ultimately ended by one of the Premier League's leakiest defence.
BBC Sport
Leicester were dealt a huge blow in the Premier League title race as they were held to a draw by a battling Norwich at King Power Stadium.
The Foxes, who remain second, now lie 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool, following their hard-fought win over Watford in Saturday's early game.
Norwich, who were impressive, deservedly took the lead when Teemu Pukki slotted home after being sent through by Emiliano Buendia. But their lead only lasted 12 minutes as Leicester equalised when Jamie Vardy's bullet header was turned into the net by Norwich keeper Tim Krul.
Both sides pressed for a winner in an entertaining second half, with Vardy twice going close, but neither side could find a way through.
The point sees Norwich close the gap on Aston Villa and Southampton, who play in Saturday's late game, to three points but they remain 19th.
Having reached a club-record eight consecutive Premier League wins last week with victory over Aston Villa, the Foxes had the chance to equal their club record for wins in all competitions against the Canaries (10). However, they failed to produce neither the result nor the performance that had seen them sweep aside the likes of Villa, Watford and Brighton in weeks gone by.
Of course there were chances for Brendan Rodgers' side to win it but the ruthless touch they have displayed throughout 2019-20 eluded them. James Maddison was bright as usual, as was Youri Tielemans, but neither of them were able to prise open a resolute Norwich backline; Wilfred Ndidi should have twice done better with free headers from Maddison deliveries.
Vardy, who had found the net in his previous eight league games, was expertly denied by Krul late on while the former England man could only find the woodwork after rounding the Canaries keeper early in the second half.
And while he may have thought he'd kept his impressive run of scoring going in the first half when his header was deflected in by Krul, his run of goals was ultimately ended by one of the Premier League's leakiest defence.
BBC Sport
ASTON VILLA 1-4 LEICESTER CITY
Jamie Vardy scored twice as Leicester City thrashed Aston Villa to make it a club-record eight Premier League wins in a row and keep alive their hopes of catching leaders Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers' side reduced the deficit on top spot to eight points once more with a clinical display at Villa Park, in which former England striker Vardy netted for the eighth successive match.
Vardy linked up with Kelechi Iheanacho to open the scoring after 20 minutes, skipping round Villa keeper Tom Heaton and finishing at the second attempt.
Iheanacho added the Foxes' second from close range as the visitors looked to have taken control before the break, only for Villa captain Jack Grealish to whip an effort into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.
The hosts' comeback was short lived, however, with Jonny Evans heading in from a corner shortly after the interval. Vardy then dashed clear with 15 minutes remaining to slide an effort beyond Heaton and put the game out of Villa's reach. Leicester remain second in the top flight, but now have a six-point advantage over Manchester City after Pep Guardiola's side were beaten by Manchester United on Saturday.
The last time Leicester City visited Villa Park they were en route to the most remarkable of Premier League triumphs, while the hosts were heading towards the Championship.
Four seasons on and, while no bookmaker will give you odds of 5,000-1, a repeat of those league-winning heroics would seem almost as unlikely, despite their lofty position.
Liverpool's dominance means any talk of Leicester's name being etched on the trophy again has been little more than a whisper, but is it time to start shouting about the Foxes' chances? This victory means Rodgers' side have now won more top-flight games in a row than at any time in their history and have more points at this stage of the season than when Leicester won the league.
In fact, in 15 of the past 27 Premier League seasons they would be sitting top of the table after 16 games with such a tally. Rodgers, who signed a new contract this week, is leading a side in ruthless form. Vardy pounced for his first after a neat ball from Iheanacho, making the most of the space left behind by a limping Tyrone Mings to open the scoring - after which the Villa defender was immediately replaced.
He might have had another moments later after another neat Iheanacho pass, but instead it was the Nigerian who bundled home from close range to double the Foxes' lead.
Leicester seem to have a knack of scoring in timely fashion this season, too. Evans' header from a deep Maddison corner stemmed Villa's fightback after Grealish had struck before the break and Vardy's second from Dennis Praet's assist ensured a club record-breaking eighth successive win in the top flight.
Many might be writing them off but no-one has told Leicester, who face their title rivals as part of a packed Christmas schedule.
BBC Sport
Jamie Vardy scored twice as Leicester City thrashed Aston Villa to make it a club-record eight Premier League wins in a row and keep alive their hopes of catching leaders Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers' side reduced the deficit on top spot to eight points once more with a clinical display at Villa Park, in which former England striker Vardy netted for the eighth successive match.
Vardy linked up with Kelechi Iheanacho to open the scoring after 20 minutes, skipping round Villa keeper Tom Heaton and finishing at the second attempt.
Iheanacho added the Foxes' second from close range as the visitors looked to have taken control before the break, only for Villa captain Jack Grealish to whip an effort into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.
The hosts' comeback was short lived, however, with Jonny Evans heading in from a corner shortly after the interval. Vardy then dashed clear with 15 minutes remaining to slide an effort beyond Heaton and put the game out of Villa's reach. Leicester remain second in the top flight, but now have a six-point advantage over Manchester City after Pep Guardiola's side were beaten by Manchester United on Saturday.
The last time Leicester City visited Villa Park they were en route to the most remarkable of Premier League triumphs, while the hosts were heading towards the Championship.
Four seasons on and, while no bookmaker will give you odds of 5,000-1, a repeat of those league-winning heroics would seem almost as unlikely, despite their lofty position.
Liverpool's dominance means any talk of Leicester's name being etched on the trophy again has been little more than a whisper, but is it time to start shouting about the Foxes' chances? This victory means Rodgers' side have now won more top-flight games in a row than at any time in their history and have more points at this stage of the season than when Leicester won the league.
In fact, in 15 of the past 27 Premier League seasons they would be sitting top of the table after 16 games with such a tally. Rodgers, who signed a new contract this week, is leading a side in ruthless form. Vardy pounced for his first after a neat ball from Iheanacho, making the most of the space left behind by a limping Tyrone Mings to open the scoring - after which the Villa defender was immediately replaced.
He might have had another moments later after another neat Iheanacho pass, but instead it was the Nigerian who bundled home from close range to double the Foxes' lead.
Leicester seem to have a knack of scoring in timely fashion this season, too. Evans' header from a deep Maddison corner stemmed Villa's fightback after Grealish had struck before the break and Vardy's second from Dennis Praet's assist ensured a club record-breaking eighth successive win in the top flight.
Many might be writing them off but no-one has told Leicester, who face their title rivals as part of a packed Christmas schedule.
BBC Sport
