Watford 1-2 Leicester City: Foxes march on with comfortable win over Hornets
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Leicester have lost just once in the league since losing at Middlesbrough in November
Leicester City beat Watford at Vicarage Road as the Championship leaders extended their fine run to just one defeat in 17 games, in all competitions.
Patson Daka opened the scoring with a penalty early in the first half.
And, when Ricardo Pereira struck after the break, Enzo Maresca's side looked to be cruising.
Emmanuel Dennis' first goal since his return to Watford set up an exciting finish, but Leicester held on to maintain their 11-point advantage at the top of the table.
The Foxes took the lead after 11 minutes from the penalty spot after Dennis Praet was chopped down in the area by Giorgi Chakvetadze. Daka slotted the ball low past Ben Hamer, who dived the right way but could not keep it out.
It compounded Watford's early misery, after they were forced into an early change when Vakoun Bayo was replaced by Milets Rajovic.
The home side looked to hit back through Matheus Martins but he couldn't get on the end of Jamal Lewis' cross, before Kieran Dewsbury-Hall shot over at the other end.
As half-time approached, Leicester remained in control, with Harry Winks dictating the play in midfield and Daka and Dewsbury-Hall causing problems for Watford.
Pereira doubled Leicester's lead 10 minutes after the break with a slick finish inside the area to cap off an efficient passing move involving both Winks and Dewsbury-Hall.
Watford boss Valerien Ismael reacted almost instantly, making three changes, including the introduction of Dennis.
The change quickly paid off when Dennis pounced on an error by Foxes midfielder Harry Winks, who mis-kicked a pass from keeper Mads Hermansen into the striker's path, to halve the deficit.
The goal seemed to wake up Watford and they increased the pressure on the visitors, forcing Hermansen into action a couple of times, but City saw out their 24th win from 31 league games.
Watford manager Valerien Ismael told BBC Three Counties Radio:
"I'm proud of the players and pleased with the performance.
"There was bad luck with Vakoun Bayo getting injured and a soft penalty.
"Even at 1-0 down we were disciplined and aggressive. We were close but it was not enough."
Leicester manager Enzo Maresca told BBC Radio Leicester:
"It was a complete performance. We played in moments and we suffered together as a team in moments.
"The game was under control. When we conceded we lost a bit of confidence but that is part of the game. The second goal was very nice, I am happy.
"I am very proud. It is brilliant that we suffered as a team. It was important to get three points. It is a big step for our final target."
CORRECTION 12 February 2024: This report originally incorrectly said that Emmanuel Dennis had intercepted a pass from Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to score when in fact it was Foxes midfielder Harry Winks.