James Maddison stars as Leicester get back to winning ways against Fulham

Fulham 0-2 Leicester: Iheanacho and Justin score to take the Foxes back into third

Leicester celebrate scoring against Fulham (Getty Images)

Kelechi Iheanacho's first Premier League goal of the season helped Leicester return to winning ways with a routine 2-0 victory at struggling Fulham.

In the absence of striker Jamie Vardy, the Foxes had earned just one point from matches against Everton and Leeds, but they bounced back at Craven Cottage.

Iheanacho headed in a James Maddison cross to give his side the lead in the 17th minute.

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Just before half-time, Maddison provided his second assist of the match, playing in James Justin, who rounded the keeper before tapping home to finish a fine move.

After a disappointing week for Fulham when crucial games at Brighton and West Brom ended in draws, Scott Parker's men remain without a win in 11 league matches, since the reverse fixture in November when Fulham won 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.

The result helped Leicester stay five points behind leaders Manchester City, while Fulham remain seven points from safety.

The game started in cagey fashion, with Leicester looking to attack through the middle and Fulham down the wings but neither side were able to fashion any clear chances in the opening exchanges.

Maddison struck the ball straight at Alphonse Areola from distance, while at the other end Aleksandar Mitrovic could not connect with a ball from Frank Anguissa.

Leicester took the lead in the 17th minute with a well-crafted move from Maddison down the right, as the England international became a focal point for his side's attacking threat during the first half.

The 24-year-old sent a well-timed cross into the box which was headed past Areola by Iheanacho.

Areola had to make a good save to deny Caglar Soyuncu doubling his side's lead from a volley.

Kasper Schmeichel was forced into his first significant save of the game just before half-time, with Tosin Adarabioyo heading the ball goalwards from a corner and the goalkeeper palming it away.

Just as they looked to be building pressure, Leicester netted a second. Maddison found himself in space in front of the Fulham backline and managed to thread a pass to Justin who rounded Areola before tapping the ball into the net.

Ivan Cavaleiro dragged wide from the edge of the area as Fulham looked to get themselves back in the game at the start of the second half.

The Cottagers' recent problems in the final third continued, though, and they were unable to pull a goal back.

PA