Result: Shinji Okazaki strike earns Leicester City victory over Newcastle United

A first-half effort from Shinji Okazaki earns leaders Leicester City a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester City have moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after Shinji Okazaki's overhead kick gave the Foxes a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

Playing under Rafael Benitez's guidance for the first time, it was Newcastle who started the brighter with Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback both sending efforts wide during the opening five minutes.

Shinji Okazaki scores a wonder goal during the Premier League game between Leicester City and Newcastle United on March 14, 2016© Getty Images

Moussa Sissoko also headed wide at the back post as the Magpies built some momentum, but after 25 minutes, Leicester went in front through Okazaki, who directed an overhead kick into the bottom corner after Jamie Vardy had headed the ball across goal.

Moments later, Marc Albrighton almost doubled the lead after running towards the retreating Newcastle defence, but he could only curl the ball inches wide of the far post.

Jamie Vardy in action during the Premier League game between Leicester City and Newcastle United on March 14, 2016© Getty Images

Chances were few and far between after half time, but when openings did materialise, they came through some neat play from Newcastle, but they could not apply the finishing touches.

Just before the half-hour mark, Sissoko got in behind the defence only to hesitate when a shooting opportunity presented itself, before Perez fired wide from the edge of the box.

Jack Colback and Danny Drinkwater in action during the Premier League game between Leicester City and Newcastle United on March 14, 2016© Getty Images

Leicester barely created a chance during the second half, but as full time approached, they started to push men forward in search of a second goal.

However, they were able to settle for just the one as Newcastle failed to mount a late comeback, and the Magpies remain in the bottom three of the standings.

Georginio Wijnaldum of Newcastle United celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match against Manchester United at St James' Park on January 12, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester31199354312366
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs311710456243261
3Arsenal30167748301855
4Manchester CityMan City30156952322051
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham301311647351250
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd30148838271150
7Southampton31138104132947
8Stoke CityStoke31137113437-346
9Liverpool2912894540544
10Chelsea30101194541441
11West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom30109113037-739
12Everton29911951411038
13Bournemouth31108133850-1238
14Watford30107133032-237
15Swansea CitySwansea3199133140-936
16Crystal Palace3096153240-833
17Norwich CityNorwich3177173254-2228
18Sunderland3068163655-1926
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3067172955-2625
20Aston Villa3137212258-3616