Магический гол Мареза увеличивает лидерство лис.

The Algerian midfielder scored with a beautiful curling finish to take advantage of Tottenham's draw with Arsenal and put Claudio Ranieri's men five points clear at the top

A sensational strike by Riyad Mahrez saw Leicester City restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory against Watford.

After a largely even first half, the Algerian midfielder produced some magic just before the hour as he curled a beautiful finish into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

After Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Arsenal earlier in the day, it puts Claudio Ranieri's side in a commanding position with only nine more games left in the season.

Leicester had numerous chances to put the game beyond doubt but were not made to pay for their profligacy as Watford struggled to create much in the final third. Indeed, the Foxes had little trouble in seeing the game out - the only worry coming in the form of a hamstring injury to Mahrez, who was substituted late on.

Leicester went close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute, with Heurelho Gomes only able to parry Christian Fuchs's low drive before Nathan Ake produced an excellent tackle to prevent Shinji Okazaki from turning in the follow-up.

Ake headed Ben Watson's free-kick against the top of the crossbar at the other end seven minutes later but it was Leicester who continued to have the better of the play. The visitors spurned a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring in the 23rd minute as Jamie Vardy played in Mahrez down the left-hand side but the Premier League's top scorer could only fire wide from the Algeria international's return pass.

Mario Suarez saw a long-range effort deflected into the arms of Kasper Schmeichel as Watford started the second half brightly but they fell behind courtesy of a piece of magic from Mahrez, who curled a superb left-footed strike beyond Gomes from just inside the area after Watford had failed to fully clear Fuchs's left-wing cross.

Robert Huth then had a close-range header beaten away by Gomes as Leicester sought to kill off the game, before Wes Morgan turned Vardy's dangerous low ball over.

Gomes was called into action again to keep out a less venomous effort from the excellent Mahrez. Huth then headed wide a Fuchs free-kick in the 71st minute, while Watford's best chance to level fell to leading scorer Odion Ighalo.

The striker could only nod straight at Schmeichel, though, as Leicester held firm on what could prove to be a pivotal day in their quest for a momentous title win.

•  

   

  FULL TIME! Leicester take another vital three points in the title race, with the Foxes defeating Watford by a 1-0 scoreline. A wonderful strike from Mahrez was just about enough for Ranieri's side, who edge five points clear of second-placed Spurs at the summit of the Premier League. That's all that we have time for, we hope to see you again next time. 
• 90'+2'

   

  Yellow Card Wes Morgan
  Morgan gets a very late booking, with Leicester finding themselves with their backs to the wall in stoppage time.
• 90'+2'

   

  Watford win themselves a free-kick on the left flank, but Watson's delivery sails straight out of play on the far side. Schmeichel is more than happy to waste time with his kick now, with the Danish goalkeeper winding down the clock by vital seconds.
• 90'

   

  We're into the first of four minutes of stoppage time.
• 88'

   

  SubstitutionEtienne Capoue Mamadou Obbi Oularé
  Oulare is introduced by Flores, as Watford look to brighten things up for the final few minutes. Capoue trudges off.
• 86'

   

  Watford aren't afraid to leave a few players further forward, with Leicester needing to be careful as to how many personnel they push on. The visitors break forward at pace, with Schlupp picked out on the edge of the box, but the substitute lashes well wide of the near upright.
• 85'

   

  SubstitutionRiyad Mahrez Daniel Amartey
  Amartey comes into the game for the final five minutes, with Mahrez taken off as a precaution.
• 84'

   

  We're well into the final 10 minutes, as Watford look to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat. Flores' men are working possession from flank to flank, with Vardy left isolated up top. The Foxes are sitting fairly deep and looking to absorb any kind of late onslaught.
• 82'

   

  SubstitutionAllan Romeo Nyom Ikechi Anya
  Anya comes into the game for the final 10 minutes, with the Scotland international replacing Nyom at right-back.
• 82'

   

  Morgan is forced to make a headed clearance, with Watford pressing on in search of a late equaliser. Leicester have their backs to the wall, but Mahrez is still staying on the field. Perhaps that injury concern has eased off.
• 80'

   

  Huge chance missed by Ighalo! Nyom floats a dangerous cross into the box from the right-hand side, with Deeney unselfishly flicking a square ball into his strike partner! With Schmeichel at his mercy, the Nigerian forward places a firm header straight down the goalkeeper's throat.
• 78'

   

  Leicester might just be a little worried here, with Mahrez feeling an injury. The Algeria international will have to be taken off as a precaution, as it appears that the goalscorer may have a muscle complaint.
• 76'

   

  We're into the final quarter of an hour at Vicarage Road, with Leicester edging their way towards yet another fantastic result in the Premier League. Securing the victory would see Ranieri's men edge five points ahead of Spurs.
• 74'

   

  Yellow Card Christian Fuchs
  Fuchs gets a booking for an untidy and cynical tackle on Amrabat.
• 74'

   

  Amrabat goes on a driving run down the right-hand side, with the former Malaga wide man doing brilliantly to skip beyond Fuchs. The Moroccan winger used a lovely flick to scoop the ball beyond the protruding legs of the Austrian left-back.
• 72'

   

  Another opportunity goes begging for Huth! Leicester win themselves a free-kick in a dangerous area, with a devilish delivery finding the ex-Middlesbrough defender rising highest at the back post! He makes great contact with his forehead, but guides the ball shy of the far upright!
• 70'

   

  Leicester win themselves a corner on the right-hand side, with the Foxes still pushing for the goal that will put these three points beyond any doubt. The initial delivery is cleared at the near post, with Mahrez picking up the scraps. The visiting goalscorer dips in a cross, but Ake heads away.
• 68'

   

  Mahrez drifts infield from the right-hand side, with the Algerian goalscorer getting the wrong side of Watson! He unleashes another curling long-range attempt, but Gomes doesn't even have to move in order to make the save.
• 66'

   

  Watford win themselves a free-kick in dangerous area, but the ball is immediately lashed clear. Kante and Schlupp combine to try and counter, but Amrabat recovers well to outmuscle the latter. As the Hornets press on for an equaliser, Leicester might just find themselves more space to exploit.
• 65'

   

  SubstitutionMario Suárez Mata Almen Abdi
  Abdi comes into the game for the hosts, with Suarez sacrificed. Flores might just be looking to create a little more.
• 64'

   

  Less than half an hour remains, with Watford desperately pushing for an equaliser on the break. Ighalo is robbed of possession by Morgan, but the loose ball trickles its way towards Amrabat. The Moroccan winger swivels smartly, but can only sting Schmeichel's palms at the near post!
• 62'

   

  Vardy drives down the left-hand side yet again, with Gomes rushing out to try and narrow the angle! The Englishman places a finish beyond the grasp of the Brazilian goalkeeper, but Ake gets back in the nick of time to make a goal-line block! Ranieri's men are hungry for a second!
• 60'

   

  So close for Morgan! Vardy is released to the left byline, with the England international fizzing a low cross into the corridor of uncertainty! The Leicester captain tries to scramble home a sliding finish, but Ake and Prodl recover to deny him! Suddenly, Watford are under intense pressure.
• 58'

   

  Yellow Card Nathan Aké
  Ake gets a booking for a late and nasty challenge.
• 58'

   

  The away fans are making plenty of noise now, with Ranieri's men now having a lot of belief. The visitors earn themselves a free-kick on the right-hand side, but a tame header from Huth is batted away by Schmeichel! So nearly a second, with the Foxes' confidence high now!
• 56'

   

   

   

  Goal Riyad Mahrez
  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! SOME MAHREZ MAGIC! The Leicester wide man is found in space on the edge of the penalty area, with the Algerian able to curl a beautiful finish into the top-left corner! Gomes could get nowhere near it!
• 55'

   

  Drinkwater tries his luck from the best part of 25 yards out, but the former Manchester United midfielder slices a terrible attempt well wide of the left-hand post. Leicester are pressing on and looking to try and test Gomes.
• 54'

   

  Watford are still looking very comfortable, with Mahrez and Vardy not getting a sniff this evening. The former needs to get more involved, as Leicester are looking a little bit low on ideas in midfield whenever the Algerian winger doesn't have the ball. The away fans are trying to get behind their men, but the Foxes' possession is slow and blunt.
• 52'

   

  Leicester are trying to take the game by the scruff of the neck, with Ranieri's men having a lot of fruitless possession. Watford are organised and limit themselves to pressing in certain areas, with the Foxes not appearing to have the tools required to break down these resolute Hornets' banks.
• 50'

   

  King manages to hook a tenative cross in from the right byline, but Gomes is easily able to gobble the ball up at his near post. Moments later, Schmeichel did well to deny Capoue, after a driving run from the Frenchman resulted in a deflected long-range effort. Nervy start to the second period.
• 48'

   

  Watford win themselves a free-kick on the left flank, with Morgan committing a foul. Watson dips a delivery towards the back post, but Fuchs manages to defuse the situation, with the referee pulling play back for a push by Ighalo.
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionMarc Albrighton Jeffrey Schlupp
  Schlupp comes into the fray for Albrighton, with the latter not getting regularly involved throughout the first half's action.
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionShinji Okazaki Andy King
  King comes into the game for the away side, with the Welshman keen to get back among the goals after netting last time out. Okazaki is replaced.
• 46'

   

  We are back underway in the second half! After a hard-fought opening 45 minutes, there's plenty of time for both of these sides to grab three points for their respective aspirations. Watford could move towards the top half with a victory, with the Foxes having their eyes on pushing further ahead of second-placed Spurs.
•  

   

  HALF-TIME! The two sides go in level, with Vardy arguably having the best opportunities to break the deadlock. Watford have had a good amount of possession and have been in relative control, with this contest still capable of heading in either direction.
• 45'+1'

   

  There is one minute of stoppage time.
• 44'

   

  Ranieri looks concerned in his technical area, with the Foxes definitely in quite a battle this evening. Watford have kept things tight, with the away support's spirits dampened a little as a result. As long as this scoreline stays balanced, either outfit could steal the three points.
• 42'

   

  Leicester win a corner on the left-hand side, but the initial delivery is cleared. A second ball is whipped in, but Morgan heads too close to Gomes! Another half-chance for the visitors. Watford head down the other end, but Deeney can only balloon a terrible long-range strike way over the crossbar!
• 40'

   

  Drinkwater leads a break, with the ex-Manchester United midfielder spraying a diagonal ball out to Albrighton on the left-hand side. The former Villa winger takes a lovely touch, before firing a cross in towards Okazaki, but the Japanese forward is denied by a timely block.
• 38'

   

  Watford have seen more of the ball, with Flores' men in control at present. As the Hornets are taking their risks on the edge of the penalty box, or out wide, Leicester haven't had the perfect opportunities to launch quick breakaways. Vardy and Mahrez have been quiet, despite the former missing two good chances.
• 36'

   

  Less than 10 minutes remain in the first half, with Leicester happy to sit back and absorb a little bit of pressure. The first goal will be vital in this contest, which has meant that both outfits are self-consciously sitting back and trying to not surrender an unneeded advantage to their opponents.
• 34'

   

  A hopeful long ball looks for Ighalo over the top, but Huth keeps his cool to slot a pass back to Schmeichel. Neither back four have got turned too often, with both striking partnerships struggling to find space in behind. Deeney has battled well, but there's a definite lack of cutting edge at present.
• 32'

   

  Okazaki tries to scamper away down the right-hand side, but Holebas tracks back well to deny the Japan international. Only a quarter of an hour remains at Vicarage Road, with chances proving to be few and far between. These are two well-drilled and organised outfits.
• 30'

   

  Amrabat tries to escape Fuchs' clutches, with the ex-Malaga wide man taking a tumble on the edge of the penalty box! The Watford man claims for a penalty, but the referee isn't interested at all. So much so, in fact, the official wants to take further action.
• 29'

   

  Yellow Card Nordin Amrabat
  Amrabat picks up a yellow card for simulation, despite the Watford wide man protesting his innocence.
• 28'

   

  Deeney shoots straight at Schmeichel! Ighalo is released down the right-hand side by Amrabat, with the Nigerian striker then picking out the former Malaga winger in the box! The Moroccan shoots, but Morgan makes a block, with his captain rifling the rebound straight at the Leicester shot-stopper!
• 26'

   

  Holebas manages to cause a few problems down the left-hand side once again, with Watford managing to probe dangerously in the wide areas. Deeney does well to hold off Morgan and Kante on the edge of the penalty area, but tenacity from the aforementioned Frenchman sees the ball stolen from the Hornets captain. This isn't an easy contest for Leicester to see out!
• 24'

   

  Another missed chance for Vardy! Mahrez manages to break to the right byline, after exchanging possession with his teammate. The Algeria international centres an unselfish ball, which only needed to be poked home, but the England international fluffs his lines!
• 22'

   

  Leicester are taking a break at present, with Vardy and Okazaki allowing the Watford back four to enjoy possession. It appears that Ranieri's men might be looking to draw the home side out, before punishing them on the counter-attack. The Hornets are in control at present, however.
• 20'

   

  A long ball makes its way through to Schmeichel, with Ighalo giving chase, but the Danish goalkeeper isn't to be flustered. Leicester win themselves a corner on the left flank, but Deeney rises highest to clear the Hornets' lines. The hosts are giving a good account of themselves early on, and are keeping things tight.
• 18'

   

  Fuchs gives away a free-kick on the right flank, which ends with Watson searching for Deeney at the back post. The Watford captain centres a pass with a back-heeled flick, but Schmeichel is present at the near post to gather up the loose ball easily.
• 16'

   

  Watford are being very careful with possession, with the hosts looking very neat and tidy on the ball. Watson has already shown that he can deliver some good set-pieces into the penalty box, with their intricate football winning them some interesting dead-ball scenarios.
• 14'

   

  Wide from Vardy! The ex-Fleetwood striker is fed down the left channel, before haring into the penalty area. The England international looks to lift a speculative, looping effort across goal, over the goalkeeper and inside the far post. Gomes is pleased to see the ball bounce off the turf and then beyond the upright.
• 12'

   

  Leicester have only managed to get in behind on one occasion, with Okazaki and Vardy struggling to find any real space. Flores is aware of the problem of the Foxes' pace, with his two banks of four prepared to sit quite deep if required. Organised, ponderous stuff in the early stages.
• 10'

   

  The opening 10 minutes have been very competitive indeed, with both sides managing to piece together some lovely passages of play. Both sides are set up well, with this set to be a real thriller. Watford win a free-kick on the right flank, but a looping delivery can only be steered onto the roof of the net by Ake!
• 8'

   

  Watford start a break, with play opened out to the right-hand side dangerously. Amrabat tries to dip a cross in from out wide, but Huth is on hand to clear ahead of Ighalo. Leicester respond with a counter down the left, but an eventual cross into the penalty area is hooked away by Ake.
• 6'

   

  Both sides have looked confident when working the ball into their striking partnerships, with Deeney and Ighalo linking up neatly. Leicester break down the left, with Vardy getting to the byline once again, but Ake shepherds the ball out of play. The Chelsea loanee has been very solid during the opening minutes.
• 4'

   

  Vardy uses his pace to scamper down the left-hand side, with the Englishman found by a long pass over the top. Gomes rushes out and doesn't get anywhere near the ball, but the Leicester forward is denied by a timely block from Ake! Moments later, Fuchs forces a save out of the Watford goalkeeper, with the aforementioned defender hacking away a rushed clearance.
• 2'

   

  Wonderful move from Watford! The hosts work their way down the left-hand side, with Holebas linking up beautifully with Deeney! The English striker flicks a neat pass to his Greek teammate, before the ex-Roma left-back tries his luck from just inside the box. His effort is deflected, however, with the ball looping into Schmeichel's arms.
• 1'

   

  We are underway in the first half at Vicarage Road! The hosts have made this stadium into a bit of a fortress of late, but Leicester need all of their siege equipment if they are to take another big step towards the Premier League title.
•  

   

  Leicester substitutes: King, Amartey, Schlupp, Gray, Ulloa, Wasilewski, Schwarzer.
•  

   

  Leicester starting line-up (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs; Mahrez, Kante, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Okazaki, Vardy.
•  

   

  Watford substitutes: Behrami, Oulare, Guedioura, Pantilimon, Anya, Abdi, Holebas.
•  

   

  Watford starting line-up (4-4-2): Gomes; Nyom, Prodl, Ake, Holebas; Amrabat, Mario Suarez, Watson, Capoue; Deeney, Ighalo.
•  

   

  TEAM NEWS: Ranieri names an almost unchanged side, with the Italian coach clearly happy to keep momentum going with almost the same set of personnel. Shinji Okazaki and Jamie Vardy offer work rate and energy up top, with Marc Albrighton and Riyad Mahrez on the flanks. N'Golo Kante comes into the midfield for Andy King, despite the Welshman chipping in with a goal last time out.
•  

   

  TEAM NEWS: Ben Watson and Mario Suarez offer some bite in the midfield third, with Etienne Capoue and Nordin Amrabat offering a little more creativity and offensive drive. Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo are the usual combination up top for the hosts, with the Hornets needing to see their dangerous duo firing in the goals again. Sebastian Prodl and Miguel Britos are the central-defensive partnership, with Craig Cathcart missing out.
•  

   

  The hosts have kept three consecutive clean sheets on home soil, with Leicester fresh off a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on their last away trip. Three points for Quique Sanchez Flores' men could lift Watford as high as tenth, while the Foxes only have winning on their minds. Given the fact that Spurs and the Gunners drew earlier, now is the time for the visitors to take advantage.
•  

   

  Hello and welcome to the Premier League late kick-off, as Leicester travel to the capital city in order to face Watford. Claudio Ranieri's men are currently two points clear at the top of the table, with this contest able to lift their noses five points from their nearest title contenders. The Hornets are tough to beat at Vicarage Road, however.