Leicester stretched their unbeaten home run to 20 league games as the Foxes followed up their midweek Champions League win with victory over Crystal Palace.
Record signing Ahmed Musa scored his first goal for the club, while Shinji Okazaki and Christian Fuchs struck after the break – the latter’s effort a superb volley – to secure a convincing win.
Yohan Cabaye scored a consolation for the Londoners and Palace pressurised the hosts in the final five minutes as they attempted an unlikely comeback.
But it was too late against a Leicester side who showed something of the form that won them the title last season, even without England striker Jamie Vardy in the starting line-up.
Vardy, who played in the 1-0 win over Copenhagen and has not scored in eight games, was rested with manager Claudio Ranieri saying he needed to rotate his players as they juggles European and league commitments.
The Italian’s decision was justified as Okazaki added guile to the Leicester attack, while Islam Slimani was a menacing presence up front.
Leicester are one victory away from the Champions League knockout stages after making it three wins from three in their group with victory over Copenhagen on Tuesday, but their Premier League form has been less satisfying – they have already lost one league fixture more than in the entirety of last season.
But this victory will give Foxes fans confidence their team can cope with the rigours of Champions League and Premier League football.
Shinji Okazaki completed more successful passes than any other Leicester player. The green arrows illustrate the forward’s successful passes, while the red arrows are the unsuccessful ones.
It is not that the defending champions have suffered European ‘hangovers’ this season – they have picked up seven points in the league after their three Champions League games.
It is in matches leading up to European nights – all away from home – that they have suffered, although the three defeats that have preceded their Champions League wins did come against Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Ranieri was criticised for resting players during last week’s 3-0 thumping by Chelsea, leaving Riyad Mahrez and Slimani out of the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge.
This week it was Vardy who stepped down, but he was not missed as others starred in what was the Foxes’ best league performance of the season.
The hosts attacked with pace, with Musa, Okazaki and Mahrez in particular giving Palace problems. The opener by the lively Musa was deserved, with the Nigerian’s manager saying the winger is now “ready” for the Premier League.
Okazaki also caught the eye, doubling Leicester’s advantage by drilling Damien Delaney’s clearance in at the near post for his first goal in 14 appearances.
Fuchs’ volley across goal was the icing on the cake, however, as the full-back – who extended his contract with the club this week – gave Steve Mandanda no hope in the Palace goal. “I just hit it as hard as I could,” said the Austrian.
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