Jamie Vardy scored his 100th Premier League goal as Leicester City got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace.
Two goals from Vardy and a Kelechi Iheanacho strike sealed a much needed 3-0 win for the home side, giving Leicester a timely boost as they search for a second season of Champions League football.
Roy Hodgson was able to deploy the previously injured Chrisitan Benteke with his side failing to score in the previous two games. There was also space for Mamadou Sakho, with Andros Townsend having to settle for a spot on the bench.
Brendan Rodgers brought Iheanacho into the starting eleven following his goal against Everton, with Leicester nervously looking down at the quickly approaching Chelsea and Manchester United.
It was the home side who generated the best chance in an otherwise quiet first-half. Right-back James Justin's thumping effort cannoned off the bar after 14 minutes in an early warning side to the visitors.
The hosts took the lead just minutes after the restart as Youri Tielemans' perfectly weighted cross caught out Palace 'keeper Vicente Guaita, allowing Iheanacho to poke home into an empty net.
Vardy's crowning moment came with 15 minutes to play - and it was an absolute gift. Mamadou Sakho's slip allowed Harvey Barnes to simply roll in the 33-year-old, who made no mistake with the finish to give Leicester a 2-0 lead.
Hodgson rolled the dice late on, replacing Benteke for Townsend, also handing 20-year-old Tyrick Mitchell a debut. The winger's introduction was notable, instantly setting up a glorious chance for Wilfred Zaha, who fired over from close range.
Vardy put the game beyond doubt deep into stoppage time, Barnes again the provider. With Palace pushed forward on the attack, The Englishman broke free, before racing in on goal and bending it past a helpless Guaita.
Palace fell to a third straight defeat with the loss, missing the chance to go break into the top half.
Meanwhile, Rodgers' Leicester side claimed their first win from five following the restart and looked closer to the team that had the top four all-but secured prior to the enforced break. The race for a Champions League spot is well and truly on.
