It was a captain's performance from Wes Morgan as he scored the only goal of the game to help Leicester move one step closer to a first ever Premier League title success

Leicester City opened up a seven-point lead at the Premier League summit by overcoming Southampton 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Wes Morgan's first-half header was enough for Leicester to secure a fifth single-goal victory in their last six top-flight matches, capitalising on second-placed Tottenham's 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday to extend their advantage at the top.

The afternoon started jovially as, on the eve of his birthday, Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha laid on free doughnuts and beer for the home faithful.

But after a positive start, Leicester were soon put on the back foot and were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Danny Simpson appeared to block Sadio Mane's shot with his arm inside the box, with referee Michael Oliver unmoved.

Claudio Ranieri's side made the most of the reprieve as Morgan's first Premier League goal of the season ensured they took a lead into half-time.

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster produced a pair of impressive saves to stop Jose Fonte putting through his own goal and keep Simpson at bay after the restart, but one goal proved enough for Leicester to take another step towards a maiden top-flight title.

Ronald Koeman introduced Cedric and Matt Targett in the wing-back positions as he opted for a three-man defence in a bid to boost Southampton's chances of retaining possession, but it was unchanged Leicester who seized the initiative in the early exchanges.

Christian Fuchs headed wide after Shinji Okazaki flicked on a corner from the right, while an important challenge from Fonte stopped the Japanese striker from diverting a cutback from Jamie Vardy.

Unperturbed, Southampton became more adventurous and, after Graziano Pelle steered a header from Cedric's cross over, they came close to taking the lead just after the half-hour mark.

Pelle set Mane through on goal but, having shifted the ball away from Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, his shot was kept out by a last-ditch block from Simpson as legitimate claims he used his arm in the process were ignored by the official.

Schmeichel then kept Fonte's curling strike out of the top corner with a fingertip save, but Leicester responded to the building pressure with the opening goal.

Fuchs was given time and space on the left and he used it to pick out Morgan, who towered over Jordy Clasie to divert his header in off the upright in the 38th minute.

The second half proved a much tighter affair, with chances initially limited until Fonte inadvertently looped Danny Drinkwater's pass from the right wing towards his own goal, needing a superb save from backpedalling Forster to keep it out.

England international Forster produced another brilliant stop when Simpson connected with Vardy's clever ball across the face of goal at the back post, but the defender's shot was placed poorly when he should have given the goalkeeper no chance. 

Southampton sent Charlie Austin on for his first appearance in more than month due to a hamstring injury as they searched for an equaliser.

But Leicester came closest to finding the net before the final whistle when Vardy was denied from an acute angle by the legs of Forster as Ranieri's side wound down the clock for a seventh clean sheet in their last eight league home games.

They now need just four victories to be crowned champions, while Southampton remain seventh after suffering a blow to their European hopes.

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  That's all for our live coverage from the King Power Stadium, thank you all for following along! Goodbye!
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  FULL-TIME: LEICESTER CITY 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON. The Foxes aren't left to rue missed opportunities in the second half as Wes Morgan's first goal of the season is enough in the end to send Leicester seven points clear of Tottenham at the Premier League summit! The defender got on the end of Fuchs' cross in the first half to head an emphatic finish past Forster, directly following Southampton's best spell of the match that nearly saw them take the lead. Forster was forced into a few massive saves after the interval to keep Saints within reach, but they were poor on the front foot, unable to mount much of a fight back.
• 90'+5'

   

  Last chance for Southampton as Kante is deemed to have fouled Austin near the corner flag. Everyone forward for Saints as the delivery comes in from Ward-Prowse, but Kante clears and the final whistle sounds!
• 90'+4'

   

  Southampton are in a hurry to get on the front foot, and they do so accordingly before winning a free-kick. The ball is floated into the penalty area, where a ton of bodies are waiting, but Simpson rises highest to head clear!
• 90'+2'

   

  Gray has been exceptional since coming on, keeping possession so well on the flank and using his pace to gt behind defenders. He wins another free-kick near the corner flag and they are in no rush to take this one.
• 90'

   

  SubstitutionMarc Albrighton Nathan Dyer
  Leicester make their final change, with Nathan Dyer replacing Albrighton.
• 90'

   

  Groans can be heard echoing throughout the stadium as the fourth official indicates five minutes of stoppage time! I'm not sure where exactly they've come up with that number!
• 88'

   

  Yellow Card Christian Fuchs
  Christian Fuchs is booked for time wasting - a needless yellow for the left-back to pick up, too. His side have come under next to no pressure over the last 10 minutes.
• 87'

   

  Leicester fail to make anything of their latest attempt on the break, and that's perhaps why tension is so high at the King Power. They have had countless opportunities to put this game to bed, but failed to convert and have to see another narrow lead through to full-time as a result. The noise level has reached deafening heights inside the stadium, nonetheless!
• 85'

   

  DENIED BY FORSTER! Still the Foxes can't but this game to bed! Kante spearheads a break, sending Ulloa through on the left. The striker gets into the area and tries to cut onto his right, but sees his passage blocked. Pressure stays on and Vardy skips through on goal, but can't beat the England keeper from a tight angle.
• 83'

   

  Nerves creep onto the faces and into the heads of these Leicester supporters as we approach the final five minutes. They have defended so well up to this point, and don't appear to be in any real threat of conceding, but it's almost impossible not to feel nervous given what's at stake.
• 81'

   

  STAT: Claudio Ranieri's side have 41 more points from 31 games this season (66) compared to their last campaign (25). They were bottom of the league at this stage of 2014-15.
• 79'

   

  SubstitutionRiyad Mahrez Demarai Gray
  Mahrez hasn't had his best day of the season, but he hasn't had to as his side hold onto another one-goal lead as the Algerian is replaced by Demarai Gray for the final 12 minutes.
• 77'

   

  Straight at Forster! There's that ball over the top again from Drinkwater to spring Vardy on the break. The striker over-runs the ball, but manages to recover. He cuts inside on his left, but Van Dijk slides in with a terrific tackle to knock the ball away. Mahrez arrives to pounce on the follow-up, but sends a strike straight at the keeper from 30-yards out.
• 75'

   

  Yellow Card Dušan Tadić
  Tadic goes into the book for his protests after conceding a free-kick along the right. The ensuing delivery is dealt with by Saints, however, saving the Serbian's blushes.
• 73'

   

  SubstitutionJordy Clasie Charlie Austin
  In a double change, striker Charlie Austin is also introduced at the expense of Clasie.
• 73'

   

  SubstitutionSteven Davis James Ward-Prowse
  James Ward-Prowse is the second Southampton player to be introduced, replacing Steve Davis.
• 72'

   

  STAT: Southampton's only win away to the Foxes in the Premier League came in December 2001, winning 4-0 at Filbert Street (D2, L6).
• 70'

   

  SHOCKING MISS! HOW HAS HE NOT SCORED?! Vardy with some exceptional work down the left following an improvised ball through from Drinkwater. His pull-back finds Simpson, and the right-back has a gaping goal staring him in the face, but sends his shot back towards the direction it came from, allowing Forster to save it on the line! All his had to do was hit it straight and he would have put the game to bed!
• 68'

   

  Leicester are defending admirably, getting their heads first to every ball played into the box. Their chances on the break have been limited of late, but they really need to find a way to hit back on the counter. Mahrez hasn't been as lively today as in weeks past, but there's certainly time for him to change that.
• 66'

   

  Southampton pack a real punch in attack, and the quality they have ont he pitch right now has these Leicester fans wary. There's a real tension in the air as the teams exchange attacks in search of the all-important second goal.
• 64'

   

  SubstitutionShinji Okazaki José Leonardo Ulloa
  Ranieri makes his usual switch around the hour mark, with Leo Ulloa replacing Okazaki.
• 63'

   

  The game has become increasingly stretched now! There's a lovely tempo and it's becoming a real joy to watch. Leicester have a tendency to win 1-0, but there certainly appears to be another goal or two to be had here this afternoon.
• 61'

   

  STAT: Southampton have lost just one of the last five Premier League away games (W3, D1, L1).
• 59'

   

  OH WHAT A SAVE THAT IS! It's the most important touch of the match, no doubt about it! Drinkwater leads the charge as Leicester break, and tries to curl a through-ball behind the defence for Vardy. Fonte slides in to break it up, but sends the ball looping back towards his own goal. Forster is able to react, diving back to somehow get a strong hand to it, knocking it off the line!
• 57'

   

  Saints need to be more clinical in the final third. They're enjoying more possession in this second half, and have responded well after a sloppy start, but the final ball has been missing in attack. They're getting into some good wide areas, though have been largely unable to pick out a team-mate inside the box.
• 55'

   

  Already on a yellow, Wanyama is walking a tight line in midfield. He loves to be physical but has to be seriously careful now not to pick up a second booking - which would see him be shown red for a fourth time this season. You can see in his approach now that it's residing heavily in his mind.
• 53'

   

  Southampton have certainly changed up their shape following Targett's substitution. They are lining up with a more standard back four now, with Wanyama and Clasie just ahead of them in a 4-2-3-1.
• 51'

   

  Yellow Card Danny Drinkwater
  Tadic does well to hold the ball up and tries to turn around Drinkwater, but the England international is draped all over him. He drags the Serbian to ground and is issued a yellow card for his troubles.
• 50'

   

  STAT: Leicester have won 1-0 in four of their last five games, drawing the other.
• 48'

   

  Southampton have lost their focus at the start of this second half, with Leicester pouncing on their errors. Mahrez is presented with the ball in space on the top corner of the penalty area, curling a cross in for an unmarked Vardy, but it's just over the striker's head! That could have been two.
• 46'

   

  Yellow Card Victor Wanyama
  What a costly error that could have been! Wanyama hesitates and is caught in possession by Vardy. The striker pounces and looks to break, but is promptly dragged down by the midfielder who is shown a yellow card. No arguments about this one, but it could have been worse because had it not been for the foul, Vardy was through on goal.
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionMatt Targett Dušan Tadić
  Matt Targett picked up an injury in the first half and was replaced at the interval by Dusan Tadic.
• 46'

   

  Back underway at the King Power!
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  A vintage first half from the Foxes sees them leading at the interval through Wes Morgan's first goal of the season. Leicester started positively and dominated through the first 25 minutes, before Southampton started to turn it on. Mane had the visitors' best chance of the half, denied what looked like a sure goal by Simpson, before Schmeichel turned an impressive effort from Fonte over the bar. The Foxes, in typical fashion, opened the scoring just a minute later as they open a seven-point lead atop the table for the time being.
• 45'+2'

   

  HALF-TIME: LEICESTER 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON.
• 45'+1'

   

  Vardy lunges into a tackle for a 50-50 ball with Davis, and takes the Southampton man to ground. The pair get up and shake hands, yet Fonte sees something wrong with the coming together, covering some distance to get over and pick a fight with the Leicester striker. It forces play to come to a halt as a few members of both sides get involved despite Vardy and Davis seeing nothing wrong with it themselves!
• 45'

   

  There will be one minute added on at the end of the first half.
• 44'

   

  Southampton continue to enjoy their fair share of possession, and in fact they have seen more of the ball over the last 15 minutes than the Foxes. There's little surprise in that, however, with Leicester content on sitting back and absorbing a bit of pressure before hitting back on the break.
• 42'

   

  STAT: Saints have now gone six games without keeping a clean sheet. Prior to this run they had kept six in a row.
• 40'

   

  The last 10 minutes are a microcosm of Leicester's season to date. It's a vintage passage of play from Ranieri's side who absorb a fair bit of pressure, get a big save from Schmeichel and respond with a goal just minutes later! It could have been 1-0 to Saints, but there's a real aura about this Foxes team - they can't fall behind!
• 38'

   

  Assist Christian Fuchs
  Fuchs picks up the assist with his cross, floated in invitingly from the left.
• 38'

   

   

   

  Goal Wes Morgan
  LEICESTER HAVE LIFT-OFF AT THE KING POWER! Fuchs sends a relatively straightforward cross in from the left, but Morgan takes full advantage of his mismatch with Clasie, getting in front of the midfielder and sending an exquisite header in at the near post! The leaders lead yet again!
• 37'

   

  Not far away from Clasie! The Dutchman wins a battle atop the area with Mahrez, smartly preventing a break before winning back possession. He takes a step onto his right and curls an effort at goal, but it lifts just a bit over the bar, much to the relief of Schmeichel.
• 35'

   

  STUNNING STRIKE! Fonte tries his luck from range and forces Schmeichel into a tremendous save to knock it over the bar! That was heading in from close to 30-yards out! This is an encouraging period from Saints who have weathered the storm at the back and are getting forward with much more frequency now. There's a good width about them on the front foot as well.
• 33'

   

  STAT: The Foxes have kept six clean sheets in their last seven home games in the league.
• 32'

   

  There's a small shout for handball from Mane as his effort was blocked by the arm of Simpson. It could well have been given as a penalty, but the right-back has his arm up against his body and just couldn't react quick enough to get it out of the way. Had he managed to move it, the ball still would have struck his abdomen.
• 31'

   

  OUTSTANDING DEFENDING! That's more like it from Southampton, however, as they issue their first real warning of the match! Mane beats the offside trap and is sprung beyond the defence from half. He has the pace to continue his run, rounding Schmeichel atop the area, but Simpson is around from the back with cover as he manages to get his body in front and make the crucial block! He saved a goal, but Mane has to be scoring there!
• 29'

   

  Southampton have a bit of a worry as Pelle goes down, clutching his back, after Simpson came clattering into him from behind. The striker has had his injury troubles in the past, so it's certainly something for Ronald Koeman to keep an eye on.
• 27'

   

  Had to be better! Mahrez twists and turns into space on the right before picking out Fuchs atop the area. The left-back opts not to hit it first-time, and winds up being caught in two minds in the end as a through-ball-cum-shot trickles harmlessly beyond the near post.
• 25'

   

  It really has been all Leicester in this first half, though Southampton have defended admirably. Fonte and Van Dijk have been especially strong at the back, but the visitors need to find ways to get on the ball for longer periods or the pressure may get to them sooner than later.
• 23'

   

  STAT: Southampton have scored an unrivalled 12 headed goals in the Premier League this season. Both their goals against Leicester in the reverse fixture were scored from set-pieces, though only one was a header.
• 21'

   

  Southampton get forward and win their first corner of the match as some no-nonsense defending from Morgan sees him head Pelle's cross behind. The ensuing delivery isn't dealt with straight away, allowing both Van Dijk and Fonte (ironically enough the two scorers for Southampton in the reverse fixture this season) to kick out at it, but Leicester do well to get bodies in front of them.
• 19'

   

  EXCELLENT BALL! It's a near identical attack from the Foxes, only this time it's Fuchs who springs Vardy down the left. The striker puts in some wonderfull dribbling, but he's too quick for his team-mate in the end as the ball into the middle arrives just a second before Okazaki.
• 17'

   

  Nearly through for Okazaki! Fuchs switches play smartly for Simpson, who sends a quick ball over the top for Mahrez. The Algerian finds an encouraging pocket of space on the right, before trying to thread a pass through for Okazaki, but Fonte tracks back to knock it to safety.
• 15'

   

  Southampton still have yet to manage an attack. Leicester are full of energy as they push forward with great consistency, forcing Saints to drop deeper than they would like in defence. Mane and Pelle have yet to be involved in the match, with Huth and Morgan having a walk in the park through the first third of this opening half.
• 13'

   

  Back-to-back set-pieces for the hosts. The corner is partially cleared, but only out for a throw. Soares lobs a long one into the area that runs all the way through for Morgan. The centre-half tries to control and volley an effort at goal, but again Fonte is on hand to knock it behind for another corner.
• 11'

   

  What an important piece of defending that was! Vardy with some determined running to get beyond Bertrand on the right edge of the area, keeping the ball in play at the byline and pulling it back for Okazaki at the near post, but Fonte does just enough to divert the forward's effort behind for a corner!
• 9'

   

  STAT: Leicester City have won only one of their last eight top-flight contests against Southampton (D4, L3).
• 7'

   

  Forster comes off his line smartly to pluck an Albrighton cross out of the air with Mahrez threatening to run onto it at the far post. The pressure stays on, and Vardy makes for an uncomfortable moment for Forster as he presses high up the pitch, forcing the England keeper to boot the ball out of play - the home support is absolutely loving this.
• 5'

   

  Excellent running from Albrighton! Southampton haven't been able to match the intensity level of Leicester in these early minutes, with the hosts clearly up for the occasion. Vardy pounces on an errant throw from the visitors, before laying off for Albrighton, and the winger makes an incredible run into the final third before Targett manages to usher the ball out for a throw.
• 3'

   

  Brilliant header! Mahrez wins the hosts the first corner of the match after an encouraging start, but the delivery into the area is poor. Okazaki does so well to contort his body and somehow flick a header into the danger area, but Fuchs' final effort drifts wide of the far post.
• 1'

   

  Leicester kick-off and we're underway at the King Power! The Foxes are attacking right to left in this first half.
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  The atmosphere is exceptional inside the King Power Stadium, and why wouldn't it be. The Foxes can move seven-points clear at the top of the table today, and to make matters even better - if that's at all possible - Leicester Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has invited everyone in attendance today to celebrate his birthday with him, giving them all a free beer and a Krispy Kreme doughnut!
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  Ronald Koeman confirmed in his pre-match interview that he has reverted to a back three, with the likes of Cedric Soares and Matt Targett helping to provide width and control the wide areas where Leicester are so successful. Targett is tasked with containing the electrifying Mahrez, with the extra defender being thrust into the team today at the expense of winger Dusan Tadic. Soares is also back in the team after missing the Liverpool match, replacing Cuco Martina. The other two changes see Victor Wanyama return from suspension, forcing Oriol Romeu to the bench, while Shane Long has been deemed unfit after picking up a knock on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, which sees Sadio Mane get in from the start. He'll likely play in an advanced role, offering support for Graziano Pelle.
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  As usual, there's hardly a surprise in the Leicester team, with Claudio Ranieri putting out the same starting line-up he's used in 10 of the last 12 Premier League matches. Kasper Schmeichel was the only worry, but the keeper is fit despite suffering a minor injury while away on international duty with Denmark. Jamie Vardy, who scored twice in the reverse fixture at St. Mary's, partners Shinji Okazaki up top, with Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton on the flanks. Danny Drinkwater and N'Golo Kante continue their partnership in midfield, with both players fresh off impressive showings with England and France respectively.
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  SUBS: Yoshida, Rodriguez, Tadic, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Stekelenburg, Austin.
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  SOUTHAMPTON (3-4-3): Forster; Van Dijk, Fonte, Bertrand; Soares, Wanyama, Clasie, Targett; Davis, Mane, Pelle.
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  SUBS: King, Amartey, Gray, Ulloa, Dyer, Wasilewski, Schwarzer.
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  LEICESTER CITY (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, Kante, Albrighton; Vardy, Okazaki.
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  CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
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  Southampton still have plenty to play for themselves. They are within range of a European place, but have little margin for error given that they have played an extra game than the teams they’re left chasing. Ronald Koeman’s side have looked like world-beaters at times this season, and quite pedestrian at others, encapsulated by their dramatic comeback against Liverpool, erasing a 2-0 deficit to claim all three points in the final game before the international break. The question is, what Southampton team shows up today?
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  Hello and welcome to live coverage from the King Power Stadium as Leicester City try and take another massive step towards the title when they play host to Southampton. The Foxes received yet another boost yesterday as Tottenham were held at Anfield, meaning Claudio Ranieri’s side can extend their lead at the summit to seven points. Leicester hold their fate in their own hands and they’ve been playing like a team who doesn’t feel the pressure, despite the massive stakes. The attitude at the King Power is exactly where Ranieri wants it to be.