Sunderland 0-1 Leicester: Vardy's header gives the Foxes a decisive victory in the title race

Jamie Vardy's first-half header gave Championship leaders Leicester City a crucial win over Sunderland, putting them back on track for the title.

But Vardy's 10th goal of the season, heading home Keenan Dewsbury-Hall's free-kick from the left, brought home what was an otherwise boring encounter at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats suffered a five-game losing streak and fell from a playoff spot to 10th place, 10 points out of the top six at the time.

They have lost every game since Mike Dodds took over the team on an interim basis. Michael Beale fired It's been just 12 games since taking over as head coach.

Leicester were far from inspired in a game where there were few clear chances for either side, but following a slump in form that threatened to derail what looked like a march to the Championship title, this was due to Enzo Maresca. It was a big test for the coach's team.

City, who had wasted late goals and important chances in their previous three games, were determined by goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who made crucial saves from Luke O'Nien and Troy Hume on either side of the first half. He showed great defense.

Vardy has the strong finisher he needs and the Foxes' record scorer headed home after Wout Fayze's header from Dewsbury Hall's cross was well saved by goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Ta.

There was late drama with referee Sunny Sukhvir Gill rejecting Sunderland's strong appeal for a penalty when Callum Stiles went over under pressure from Leicester defender Hamza Chaudhry.

However, the Foxes achieved victory and remain three points clear of second-placed Ipswich and five points ahead of third-placed Leeds in the race for automatic promotion.

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca told BBC Radio Leicester:

“It was a very important win, especially after losing three. We won the game in an ugly way, but winning like that helps us grow as a team.”

“In the last three games we played better and created more chances, but we lost. Tonight we only created chances in the first half, but we won the game.”

“I was a little tired in the second half, but I love the team more and more every day because they put in an unbelievable effort at the end of the season.

“Now it's important to get my energy back and fight on Saturday.” [against Hull City]. ”