Premier League leaders Leicester stunned nearest rivals Manchester City with a convincing victory at Etihad Stadium to move six points clear.

Robert Huth turned in Riyad Mahrez’s corner to give the Foxes an early lead.

City rarely looked capable of breaking down the visitors’ defence, while their own back line appeared vulnerable.

Mahrez made it 2-0 with a step-over and finish, and Huth found space to head home a Christian Fuchs corner before Sergio Aguero's late consolation.

Foxes continue fine away form

Leicester had already beaten third-placed Tottenham at White Hart Lane in January but this resounding result against City was their most significant in a remarkable season.

The Foxes have now picked up 28 points on their travels and, although they were denied a sixth clean sheet in their past seven matches, this was another win earned by their solid defence.

Aguero’s glancing header from teenage substitute Bersant Celina’s cross meant Manchester City retained their record of only failing to score once at home this season, but they had toiled in front of goal for much of the match.

Claudio Ranieri’s side travel to fourth-placed Arsenal next weekend – win there too, and people might be asking “who can catch Leicester?” rather than “can the Foxes really win the title?”

Manchester City’s defence again at fault

While Leicester’s defence was a solid and well-organised unit, given further protection by N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater in central midfield, Manchester City looked nervy whenever the visitors came forward.

Martin Demichelis was left flat-footed by Robert Huth for Leicester’s first goal and was beaten with ease by Mahrez for their second, while Huth was completely unmarked when he made it 3-0.

Things could easily have been even worse for home boss Manuel Pellegrini in his first game at the Etihad since it was announced Pep Guardiola would be replacing him in the summer.

Leicester’s Jamie Vardy twice broke clear to latch on to balls over the top and was only prevented from inflicting further damage by smart blocks by Joe Hart.

While Leicester head for the Emirates and another test of their title mettle, City must pick themselves up for the visit of another in-form team, Tottenham, before starting a run of fixtures that sees them play in the FA Cup, Champions League and the Capital One Cup final in the space of a week.

•Photo shows Robert Huth’s early strike for Leicester . . . this afternoon at the Etihad.

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