Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has claimed that Leicester City will be "difficult to catch" in the Premier League title race.

The Foxes extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table by eight points following a 1-0 win over Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Eagles are yet to win a league game this year following nine defeats and two draws.

"We are down, frustrated, we wanted to keep momentum after the FA Cup win over Reading but Leicester are top of the league for a reason," BBC Sport quotes Pardew as saying. "They have a lovely balance to the team, they will be difficult to catch and they would be worthy champions."

Palace are 15th in the league table.