Leicester City have continued their fight for Premier League survival with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium.
Paul Konchesky scored only goal of the game in the first half, but the contest ended with unsavoury scenes when Ciaran Clark and Matty James were sent off.
Below, Sports Mole has assessed how the match unfolded and if the three points were deserved for the Foxes.
Match statistics
LEICESTER
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 38%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 18
ASTON VILLA
Shots: 11
On target: 1
Possession: 62%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 6
Was the result fair?
In short, yes. The home side looked much more threatening on the attack throughout the game and if David Nugent has taken any of his numerous chances, the Foxes could have won by a larger margin. Villa struggled to find their rhythm and, while they had the majority of possession, they failed to create any danger in the final third. Manager Paul Lambert has come under plenty of scrutiny from fans in his new tactical approach, and that does not seemed to have settled down as the travelling support could be heard chanting "you don't know what you're doing" at times during the game.
Leicester City's performance
After their last two positive league results, the home side came out full of confidence and attacking intent. They seemed to show more desire on the ball and their defensive line was strong as Christian Benteke was flagged offside numerous times. Their only downfall was the fact that they should have scored more because an unjust equaliser was always a danger as the game went on.
Aston Villa's performance
It was a poor showing from Villa's men as they failed to make a significant impact on goal. Benteke came into the match as it went on, but his previous scintillating form was missing. At times, play was sloppy and the ball was given away cheaply and in dangerous areas. If it was not for goalkeeper Brad Guzan, Villa would have conceded plenty more than just one goal today.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Marc Albrighton: The 25-year-old impressed against his former club and would have had a goal himself if it was not for Guzan. He regularly caused danger in the wide areas and was involved in almost every attacking play by Leicester. He continued to cause problems for the Midlands outfit and deserved to be on the winning side this afternoon.
Biggest gaffe
Leicester were just minutes away from gaining maximum points when James lunged into Jores Okore with two feet and sparked a melee among both sets of players. The midfielder was rightfully sent off, while Villa's Clark also saw red when he was handed a second booking for angrily confronting James following the challenge.
Referee performance
There was a first-half penalty shout for Leicester when Alan Hutton brought down Dean Hammond, and it could have been given on another day, but referee Michael Oliver waved it away. Other than that incident, the match official did well at the King Power Stadium and he was right to brandish red cards to James and Clark towards the end of the match.
What next?
Leicester City: The Foxes will face Stoke City on home turf next Saturday.
Aston Villa: Lambert's side host Liverpool at Villa Park next Saturday.
Danielle Joynson
