Five On The Bounce For Gritty City
Manager Brendan Rodgers named the same XI - which included Wilfred Ndidi, who made his 100th Premier League appearance - for a fifth-straight top-flight match, and his side nearly got off to the perfect start, as striker Ayoze Pérez turned Academy graduate Harvey Barnes' cross onto the bar inside two minutes.
A brace of goalscoring opportunities then followed shortly after, with Barnes having an effort of his own, while Premier League top-scorer Jamie Vardy had a header turned over by Mat Ryan in the Seagulls net.
Winger Barnes continued to pepper the Brighton goal, sending two more efforts just off target, before centre-back Shane Duffy flicked a header wide at the other end of the pitch as the hosts came close to snatching the lead just before the interval.
Following efforts from Neal Maupay and Martín Montoya, as well as a chance for Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans, who later came off due to cramp, the Foxes took the lead on 64 minutes.
Having netted in the pouring rain on the south coast on three occasions against Southampton last month, Pérez again enjoyed the sodden conditions as he calmly slotted in after some fine work from Vardy.
It was Vardy who then nearly doubled City’s advantage, but a smart stop from Ryan prevented him from netting his 12th Premier League goal of the season – however, after a period of drama, he eventually found the back of the net from the spot.
Substitute Demarai Gray was fouled by Adam Webster just minutes after being introduced and Vardy stepped up to take the penalty. Ryan saved the initial effort, and the ball was then headed in by James Maddison, but his goal was disallowed for encroachment after a VAR review.
It was Vardy who retook the penalty kick, and this time sent Ryan the wrong way to make it 2-0 and seal all three Premier League points for the travelling Foxes.
Major moment
A goalless first half in which Leicester City enjoyed 57 per cent possession and enjoyed the majority of goalscoring opportunities meant they must unlock Brighton’s back line in the second period.
The crucial deadlock-breaking strike came just after the hour mark, as Jamie Vardy burst forward before unselfishly squaring to Ayoze Pérez, who bagged his fourth Premier League goal in Leicester colours.
Who impressed?
Matt Elliott told LCFC Radio at the full-time whistle: “It was a superb defensive display from Çağlar Söyüncü, who was outstanding again, but ultimately, Jamie Vardy, with an assist and a retaken penalty goal himself, was the difference between the two teams.
"He also created two or three other opportunities for his team-mates, so that’s why he gets my vote for the Man of the Match."
Where do we stand?
Leicester City’s fifth Premier League win in as many games sees them retain their spot in second place after 13 matches.
They are now three points above third-placed Chelsea, who play Manchester City in Saturday’s evening kick-off.
Coming up…
The Foxes return to King Power Stadium next weekend, for the first of seven Premier League fixtures in December, as they take on Everton on Sunday.