Leicester 0-1 Newcastle: Ayoze Perez seals victory for Magpies

Ayoze Perez scored a glancing header as Newcastle recovered from back-to-back defeats with victory at Leicester.

The Magpies are now 10 points above the relegation zone, with Perez easing the pressure on Rafa Benitez's side by scoring his first away league goal of the season.

Leicester started confidently, having won their previous four matches under Brendan Rodgers, but they struggled to play through their disciplined visitors.

Salomon Rondon almost handed the visitors a spectacular lead when he struck the crossbar with a powerful free-kick from 35 yards.

Newcastle remained resolute and were rewarded when Perez struck the decisive blow with over half-an-hour played.

The Spaniard rose well inside the Foxes' box to meet Matt Ritchie's cross and nod the ball over Kasper Schmeichel.

Victory for the visitors lifts them to 13th place, while Rodgers' first home defeat means Leicester remain in seventh.

Newcastle produce model away display

Leicester dominated the ball with more than 70% possession but Newcastle sat deep and restricted them to just five shots on target in the entire match.

Martin Dubravka saved well after a solo run by Harvey Barnes and a right-footed strike by Ben Chilwell as Leicester tried to force the initiative early on, but it was the visitors who posed the greater threat on the counter attack - and Rondon's 15th-minute free-kick almost brought spectacular reward.

Benitez' side were rigid in their shape and targeted Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who lost the ball nine times in the first half, before springing clear in attack.

Ritchie whipped in two testing crosses with his excellent left foot before Newcastle took the lead, as Leicester failed to heed the warning.

Newcastle pinched the ball deep in the Leicester half once more before Ritchie delivered an accurate cross for Perez to convert for his seventh Premier League goal of the season and just Newcastle's third win on the road.

Vardy epitomises Leicester frustration

Rodgers' tenure as manager got off to a losing start with defeat at Watford, but the Northern Irishman seems to have lifted the mood at the club in recent weeks having secured four wins from five games in charge.

Jamie Vardy has enjoyed a resurgence in his form with eight goals in his past eight games, but he was denied the opportunity to run in behind Newcastle.

The Magpies sat deep, allowing Leicester possession in the midfield but making it tough for them to play between the lines. Vardy, attempting to stretch the game, was flagged offside more than any other player.

When the striker's chance eventually came in the final 10 minutes - as Youri Tielemans slid him through on goal - he appeared to rush his effort and lifted the ball over the crossbar.

James Maddison - who has created more chances than any other Premier League player this season - is key to Leicester's creativity and if he has a poor game, the team tends to suffer.

The 21-year-old found it difficult to pick up the ball in space and he made just one key pass forward in the whole 90 minutes.

Leicester are in still in the hunt for European football this season but Rodgers will have to find an alternative way of utilising his forwards when opposing teams sit deep.

What's next?

Leicester travel to West Ham on Saturday, 20 April (15:00 BST), while Newcastle host Southampton in the evening of the same day (17:30).

More to follow.