Leicester City moved four points clear of the relegation zone by thumping Newcastle United 3-0 at the King Power Stadium.

Goals from Leonardo Ulloa and Wes Morgan helped them into a 2-0 half-time lead, before the Argentine converted a penalty early in the second half to fatten the advantage.

Mike Williamson was then sent off for a second yellow, before Daryl Janmaat followed him down the tunnel late on in a worrying performance by the Magpies, who gave rise to increasing fears of relegation.

Here, Sports Mole sorts the heroes from the villains.

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Goal

Kasper Schmeichel: Only had a handful of shots to save by virtue of Newcastle's disjointed attack and never looked overly worried. Quiet afternoon overall for the big Dane. (6/10)

Defence

Marc Albrighton: Grabbed two assists for the first two goals, but perhaps should have also got his name on the scoresheet when he drilled wide of Krul's goal in the second half. (7/10)

Marcin Wasilewski: Won the penalty that led to the third and killer goal and never looked worried in defence, forging a solid understanding with Morgan. (6/10)

Wes Morgan: Shackled Perez and Riviere well, and also grabbed the second goal by turning Albrighton's wonderful cross home on 17 minutes. (7/10)

Robert Huth: The big German was as imposing as ever in Leicester's defence, refusing to give Newcastle an inch in which to punish them with. (6/10)

Jeff Schlupp: Fantastic work rate throughout playing at left wing-back in place of Paul Konchesky and vindicated Pearson's decision. (6/10)

Midfield

Matt James: May have been sent off on another day after handling the ball after being booked, but, that blemish aside, always looked a solid presence in midfield. (6/10)

Esteban Cambiasso: The veteran midfielder was brilliant throughout, spraying pass after pass as Newcastle refused to keep an eye on him. Subbed on 75 minutes and received a standing ovation. (7/10)

Riyad Mahrez: Buzzed about nicely throughout, but his end product was lacking. Few moments of skill to impress the fans but very little of substance. (5/10)

Attack

Leonardo Ulloa: Not always involved, but the Argentine was the difference today with two well-taken goals - the second of which was a great penalty. He is hitting form at just the right time. (8/10)

Jamie Vardy: Not on the scoresheet, but ran his socks off for the entirety of the clash and played a massive role in the result. Fine performance. (8/10)

Substitutes

Ritchie De Laet: Solid cameo from the right-back, who replaced Wasilewski when Leicester reverted to a traditional back four. (6/10)

Dean Hammond: Kept things ticking over in midfield after replacing Cambiasso on 76 minutes. (5/10)

Andrej Kramaric: Had 12 minutes in which to fatten the scoreline, but was not given a sniff at goal. (5/10)

Goal

Tim Krul: Could do virtually nothing about any of the goals, and pulled off a few fine saves to keep the scoreline down. (6/10)

Defence

Daryl Janmaat: Booked and conceded a cheap free kick that ultimately led to the second goal. Touted as a future captain by John Carver, but the Dutchman lacked leadership today. (5/10)

Mike Williamson: Sent off - for the second time this season by Mike Dean - after picking up two yellows; the second of which was particularly careless. He knew the penalty of mistiming the challenge and he made it anyway. (4/10)

Fabricio Coloccini: As the Magpies' most experienced player, it did not bode well to see his half-hearted challenge on Morgan before the second goal. Lazy overall from the Argentine. (4/10)

Paul Dummett: First game back following injury and understandably looked a little rusty. Anita might have been the better option at left-back. (5/10)

Midfield

Jack Colback: Lacked the composure to deal with constant pressure from James and Cambiasso, resulting in losing possession regularly. Not his finest game in a black and white shirt. (5/10)

Ryan Taylor: Dominated in midfield and was far too careless in possession, giving the ball away time and time again before he was replaced on the hour mark by De Jong. (4/10)

Jonas Gutierrez: Had one or two decent strikes at goal, with one going particularly close, but overall was never going to impact this game positively for the visitors. (5/10)

Moussa Sissoko: Allowed Ulloa to get the run on him from the corner that led to the first goal. Not the energetic, industrious player that has starred this season - though it was his first game back from suspension. (4/10)

Attack

Emmanuel Riviere: Missed a first-half sitter and inexplicably conceded the penalty that put the game beyond Newcastle. Nowhere near good enough to lead the line in a relegation battle. (3/10)

Ayoze Perez: Much better and far more lively than his strike partner, but lacked the service to have any real impact this afternoon. (5/10)

Substitutes

Siem de Jong: Only his second game back after injury and, like Dummett, looked rusty after replacing Taylor. Little impact. (4/10)

Vurnon Anita: He might have had something to contribute had Carver introduced him before the game was lost. (4/10)

Written by
Shane Callaghan