Leicester strengthened its place within the Premier League’s prime 4 with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa due to early targets by James Maddison and Harvey Barnes on Sunday.
Villa was with out Jack Grealish due to harm and made a gradual begin with out its inspirational captain, going 2-Zero down by the 23rd minute at Villa Park.
Barnes laid the ball off to Maddison, who slotted a shot into the underside nook from the sting of the world within the 19th.
The winger then scored himself, forcing residence a rebound excessive into the online after Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez might solely palm away a fierce effort from Jamie Vardy.
Bertrand Traore gave Villa hope by pulling a aim again within the 48th from shut vary after John McGinn helped on a cross by Matt Targett, however Leicester held on to maneuver above Manchester United into second place. United performs Newcastle later Sunday.
Leicester, which is six factors away from fifth-place Chelsea, hasn’t performed within the Champions League for the reason that 2016-17 season — the season after profitable the Premier League in inconceivable trend.
One adverse for Leicester was the sight of Maddison strolling off gingerly halfway by way of the second half, having earlier complained of each foot and hip accidents after a heavy however truthful deal with by Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
Villa has gained simply one in every of its final 4 video games and has dropped seven factors off the European positions, albeit with two video games in hand over most of its rivals.
The lack of Grealish is a giant blow and Villa supervisor Dean Smith was guarded concerning the actual nature of the harm the midfielder picked up in coaching. Native media reported Grealish has shin splints.
“We don’t consider it’s a long-term harm,” Smith mentioned earlier than kickoff. “We’re simply going to evaluate him as he goes.”
