Leicester City hold a precious lead in their quest for Premier League survival as a first-half brace from Riyad Mahrez has put them 2-0 ahead against Southampton.

The home side took an early lead when Mahrez twisted clear of his marker and unleashed a powerful effort from 20 yards that found the bottom corner of Paulo Gazzaniga's net for his first goal since December.

However, the Foxes were then dealt a blow when midfielder Matt James had to be stretchered off on 13 minutes, with Daniel Drinkwater coming on in his place.

Southampton's first chance came when Ryan Bertrand found space down Leicester's right flank, but his whipped cross was well cut out by Kasper Schmeichel.

Just as the Saints seemed to be forcing their way into the game, Nigel Pearson's side doubled their lead when Mahrez stroked home Jamie Vardy's cross from close range.

Saints' chances remained few and far between, with Sadio Mane wastefully heading the best of them over the bar after some good work down the wing from Steven Davis.

The visitors were then lucky not to slip further behind when Mahrez sent Vardy through on goal, but with time on his side the Leicester striker saw his effort saved by Gazzaniga.