A second-half brace from Jamie Vardy has handed Leicester City a 2-0 victory over Liverpool to ensure that they remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Foxes kept a fifth clean sheet in their last six league outings to reach the 50-point mark, keeping Manchester City and Arsenal at arm's length ahead of back-to-back away games against their nearest rivals.

© Getty Images

The hosts made a typically quick start to the contest and almost took the lead inside two minutes when Riyad Mahrez curled an effort inches wide of the target from the edge of the box.

Simon Mignolet was called upon shortly afterwards when Vardy chipped the ball in for Shinji Okazaki, but his header was straight at the Liverpool keeper, who tipped it onto the top of the crossbar.

Indeed, it was Mignolet who kept the scores goalless throughout the first half, making one routine stop from Mahrez before denying the Algerian's stunning curling effort with a fingertip save 10 minutes before the interval.

© Getty Images

Liverpool struggled to create anything of note in an attacking sense throughout the opening 45 minutes, with their best moment seeing Alberto Moreno blaze high and wide of the near post having been released down the left channel.

There was more of a threat from the visitors in the second half, however, and that began in the opening minutes when a slick passing move created a shooting opportunity for Emre Can, which took a deflection on its way wide.

Kasper Schmeichel was also called upon to keep out a mis-hit cross from Moreno, but it was Leicester who broke the deadlock on the hour mark, and in some style too.

© Getty Images

Their two standout performers of the campaign linked up for it, with Mahrez sending a ball over the top, although it was all about the finish as Vardy slammed a stunning first-time half-volley into the top corner from outside the box.

The England international then took his Premier League tally for the season to 18 by doubling his side's lead 12 minutes later, firing home from close range after Okazaki's shot had deflected into his path at the back post.

There was no way back for Liverpool after that second goal as Leicester comfortably saw out the match to record their first victory over the Reds since another 2-0 triumph in March 2001.

Liverpool now sit 11 points adrift of the Champions League places, while the Foxes edge ever closer to becoming the most unlikely champions of the Premier League era.