Leicester 1-0 Newcastle: Okazaki's acrobatic winner extends Foxes lead at the top - 5 things we learned

Claudio Ranieri's men are now five points clear of second-placed Tottenham as Rafa Benitez's reign in charge of Newcastle got off to a losing start

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Shinji Okazaki scored a spectacular goal to send Leicester five points clear in the title race - and ruin Rafa Benitez's first game in charge.
Leicester striker Okazaki's first half overhead kick gave Claudio Ranieri's men a precious three points to restore their lead over Tottenham.
But Newcastle's new boss Benitez will be unhappy Jamie Vardy was not flagged offside in the build-up on a frustrating night for the Toon Army.
Newcastle had chances in the game but could not find a way through even though Leicester looked edgy at times.
But Leicester's title bandwagon keeps rolling as their Premier League miracle edges ever closer.
Here are five things we learned.

1. Rafa can keep Newcastle up

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The boss: Benitez watches on

One thing we learned is that this result will not decide Newcastle’s fate. But their forthcoming do-or-die derby with Sunderland might. They have also got Swansea and Norwich ahead.
The Benitez revolution took shape at Leicester as the players were well drilled, the new manager has clearly given them a lift, even if no manager in the world can stop Steven Taylor making silly mistakes.
But Benitez has given the Toon Army hope. Benitez cut a desperate, anxious figure on the touchline, pointing and shouting orders as he moved players into his shape and tactical formation.
Benitez has barely had time to let his methods take effect. But you could see an improvement and they now look capable of staying up.

2. Leicester showing no sign of title nerves

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Foxes: Leicester's players celebrate Okazaki's opener

Claudio Ranieri’s men did not start well. If anything, they looked a little edgy against a Newcastle team buoyed by their new manager.
But the remarkable thing about Leicester is the way they keep going. If it doesn’t work at first, they try a different way. Their desire and spirit cannot be questioned and they play without fear.
Forget the accusation they don’t have enough experience. That only means they are not worried or anxious.
Leicester regained their five point lead at the top - and there is no reason why they can’t stay there.

3. Drinkwater deserves England shot

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Challenge: Drinkwater in action with Wijnaldum

Roy Hodgson names his England squad on Thursday for the forthcoming friendlies with Germany and Holland.
Danny Drinkwater must be in his thoughts after the Leicester midfielder’s remarkable season. There have been few better central midfielders in the Premier League.
But what really catches the eye is Drinkwater’s long range passing and, in particular, his ability to switch the play from one side of the pitch to the other.
It would be a late shout for the Euros, but must be worth a look.

4. Newcastle strip was an own goal

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Away day: What is going on with Newcastle's kit?

Few clubs have such a recognisable kit. It was a new manager’s first game in charge and yet the clips will show Newcastle in white shirts, white socks and some dodgy looking aqua marine coloured shorts.
Clubs often change strips when they don’t have to in order to keep the kit manufacturers happy and to sell shirts.
Quite how referee Craig Pawson allowed it when Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot’s was also wearing a pale grey shirt is anyone’s guess.
But they are selling out - and it should be stopped. Now. Wear your colours whenever possible.

5. Okazaki is an unsung hero

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Spectacular: Okazaki puts Leicester ahead

His work rate and enthusiasm is incredible, he never stops running. Of all the talk about Mahrez, Vardy and even Albrighton, the other big component is Okazaki.
What he lacks in technique and class, he makes up for with desire.
But his opening goal was a touch of genius, a spectacular overhead kick to ensure that his name was up in lights for a change.

Player ratings

Leicester
Schmeichel 6 - Some nervy, edgy moments as Leicester’s defence looked shaky.

Simpson 6 - Excellent outlet on the right as he loves to bomb forward.

Morgan 6 - Huge unit of a defender, so important in both boxes.

Huth 7 - Looks a steadying influence when Leicester are tested.

Fuchs 7 - Solid display at left back, tenacious and strong.

Mahrez 7 - Tricks defenders - and referees - to make things happen for Leicester.

Kante 6 - Not quite as influential, but put in a shift and breaks up play.

Drinkwater 7 - Must be in the running for an England call-up. Excellent.

Albrighton 7 - Could have scored, but supplied the ammunition. Such a threat.

Okazaki 8 - Often the unsung hero, his spectacular goal will put his name up in lights.

Vardy 7 - Looked half a yard offside but set up opener. His pace such a threat.

Subs: Amartey, Schlupp, Gray, Ulloa, Wasilewski, Schwarzer, Inler

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Hero: Okazaki is congratulated by Claudio Ranieri

Newcastle
Elliot 6 - A thankless task playing behind Newcastle’s defence. Did OK.

Janmaat 6 - Lucky not to concede a penalty, but was one of Newcastle’s better players.

Taylor 5 - Poor header in build-up to Leicester’s opener. Typical of his season.

Lascelles 5 - Stuck to his task but Benitez will have to work hard on this defence.

Colback 6 - Put in a steady shift at left back. Always tenacious.

Anita 5 - Neat and tidy in midfield, but always looks hopelessly lightweight.

Shelvey 6 - Clearly enjoys wearing the armband, showed responsibility and fight.

Sissoko 5 - Very poor, little work rate or commitment. Confidence rock bottom.

Perez 6 - Missed big early chance when he steered a shot wide.

Wijnaldum 6 - Good forward runs and looked a danger. Worked hard.

Mitrovic 7 - Had a good chance but Sissoko got in his way. Battled.

Subs
Townsend, for Anita, 56 mins, 6, De Jong, for Perez, 71 mins, Doumbia, for Shelvey, 87 mins