Leicester City struck a crucial blow in the Championship title race this afternoon, inflicting on Burnley their first home defeat of the season and moving 6 points clear at the top of the table. The opening goal of the game came from striker David Nugent in the 35th minute. Substitute Chris Wood played the ball into Nugent's path and the former Burnley frontman beat one defender and curled a perfect left footed finish into the bottom corner of the net. Wood was on the pitch as a result of an injury to Jamie Vardy, who limped off just moments before the first goal. Vardy's opposite number, Sam Vokes, who has scored 21 goals for the Clarets this season, had already been substituted by the hosts. This was a big blow for Burnley, who were missing 25 goal Danny Ings and their leading assist provider Kieran Trippier.
Regardless of Burnley's problems, Leicester take huge credit for their professional performance today. Despite the injury to Vardy, the Foxes have great strength in depth in the shape of Chris Wood. The Kiwi striker came on and immediately set up the first goal. He also made sure of the points with an outstanding strike in the 78th minute. Knockaert thumped the ball forward and Wood, having chested the ball down, volleyed a fierce shot into the far corner from outside the box. It was a superb contribution from a man who has had limited first team opportunities this season. The Foxes were worthy of their win and underlined their status as the best team in the league. Leicester are now 19 games unbeaten in the league and, on their current form, it is difficult to see anyone beating them, let alone catching them.
*Thank you to @VeezeeBlue on Twitter for the headline!
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