Vardy's brace helps Leicester retain English Premier League lead

Leicester City continued their dream run in the English Premier League by scoring yet another emphatic victory against a top side. Jamie Vardy’s brace including a stunning long-range goal helped this season’s surprise title leaders beat Liverpool 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Jamie Vardy scores the first goal for Leicester City against Liverpool on Tuesday. Reuters / Darren Staples

Vardy’s heroics also means that he is now the lead goal scorer this season with 18 goals.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri heaped praise on his striker.

“Jamie is very fast and can create a lot but it was unbelievable how (Riyad) Mahrez found him and how he had the time to see the keeper out of the goal and score a fantastic goal,” he said.

“The team is in good condition. Now it is important to recover the energy because we have to run a lot against Manchester City.”

Leicester face their closest title rivals on Saturday.

City are three points behind Leicester after they beat Sunderland 1-0. Sergio Aguero scored the only goal of the match in the 16th minute.

Arsenal again failed to keep up with the leaders after a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Southampton. With the gap to Leicester opening up to five points, Arsenal's title hopes have suffered a blow.

While Arsenal failed to make any impression, Manchester United exhibited great attacking football during their comprehensive 3-0 win against Stoke City.

Fifth-place Manchester United now remain five points off the Champions League places.

Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney were the goal scorers for United.

West Ham remain a point behind Manchester United in sixth place after a 2-0 win at home to Aston Villa while West Bromwich Albion held Swansea City to a 1-1 draw.