Leicester vs Sheffield United result: Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray secure three huge points for hosts in Champions League race

Leicester 2-0 Sheffield United: Brendan Rodgers’ side earn a vital result in their pursuit of Champions League football

Leicester consolidated their spot in the Champions League qualification places by beating Sheffield United 2-0 in the Premier League on Thursday thanks to goals from Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray.

The victory kept Leicester in fourth place, a point behind third-placed Chelsea and three above Manchester United ahead of the latter’s game against Crystal Palace.

With Manchester City having won their appeal against a two-year ban from European competition, a top-four finish is required to qualify for the Champions League rather a finish in the top five.

That looks more achievable for Leicester now after they responded perfectly to a shock 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth.

Perez drove home the opening goal from just inside the area in the 29th minute after being teed up by Luke Thomas on the left-back’s debut for Leicester.

Gray came on as a substitute in the 76th minute and doubled the lead within three minutes of his arrival, scoring with an angled shot after being picked out by Jamie Vardy – who earlier hit the post – at the end of a counter-attack.

Sheffield United had their moments at the King Power, but were the weaker side for much of the game. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson was the visitors’ best performer, keeping the margin narrower than it could have been.

Chris Wilder’s men stayed in eighth place, two points behind sixth-placed Wolverhampton in the battle for Europa League qualification.

AP