First Defeat In Five For City
Brendan Rodgers made one change to the side that beat Huddersfield Town 4-1 last time out, as Harry Maguire returned to the heart of City’s back line in place of Çağlar Söyüncü.
After Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles saw a header comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel, Jamie Vardy forced Martin Dubravka into a low stop with a neat flick after connecting with Ben Chilwell’s cross from the left.
On the quarter-hour mark, the Magpies went just inches away from taking the lead as Salomón Rondón hit a powerful free-kick onto the underside of Schmeichel’s crossbar.
A wayward effort from Harvey Barnes followed after the Academy graduate curled over the bar, while Rondón’s ambitious strike from the half-way line failed to trouble Schmeichel.
But the visitors – aiming to strengthen their bid for Premier League survival – went ahead on 32 minutes. Matt Ritchie’s delivery was flicked into the back of the net by Ayoze Pérez as Leicester fell behind for the first time in five games.
After the interval, Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi fired off target for the Foxes, while at the other end, Miguel Almirón sent a strike into the north stand.
Shortly after, James Maddison set up Vardy, who couldn’t get the desired connection to guide the ball on target on Filbert Way.
Schmeichel then pulled off a fine save at the front post to deny Pérez to ensure City had an opportunity to level matters heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Foxes nearly found an equaliser when Youri Tielemans threaded the ball through to the in-form Vardy, who lifted his shot over from close range.
Marc Albrighton was then introduced to make his first appearance since January and immediately set about producing some trademark deliveries.
His cross on the 89th minute caused problems for the Newcastle back line, but a confident Dubravka punched clear with Vardy lurking and the final chance of the game went begging.
Major moment
With Newcastle United defending their one-goal lead after Ayoze Pérez’s first-half header, City dominated possession as they attempted to unlock their opponents’ defiant defence.
The Foxes best opportunity to restore parity fell to Jamie Vardy, who after latching onto a pass from Youri Tielemans, couldn’t hit the target.
Who impressed?
Marc Albrighton looked as lively as ever after making his first appearance since 30 January following a hamstring injury that saw him miss nine Premier League games.
After replacing Academy graduate Harvey Barnes with 10 minutes to play, the No.11 created several opportunities, but City couldn’t convert, and Newcastle retuned to the North East with all three points.
Where do we stand?
Prior to this weekend’s remaining Premier League games, the Foxes still occupy seventh position in the top-flight standings with four matches to play.
Coming up…
Brendan Rodgers’ men next head to London Stadium on Saturday 20 April to face West Ham United in the Premier League (3pm BST kick-off).