Musa’s strike sinks Palace, Boro spoil Wenger’s Birthday

Super Eagles assistant captain and record signing Ahmed Musa scored his first goal for Leicester City yesterday in their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

It was not a good story for Arsenal, as their six-match winning run in the Premier League came to an end against Middlesbrough, but a point was enough to move them the top of the table – for about 24 hours at least.

Leicester stretched their unbeaten home run to 20 league games as the Foxes followed up their midweek Champions League win with victory over Crystal Palace.

Musa scored the opening goal in the 42 minutes, while Shinji Okazaki and Christian Fuchs struck after the break – the latter’s effort a superb volley – to secure a convincing win.

Yohan Cabaye scored a consolation for the Londoners and Palace pressurised the hosts in the final five minutes as they attempted an unlikely comeback.

But it was too late against a Leicester side who showed something of the form that won them the title last season, even without England striker Jamie Vardy in the starting line-up.

Vardy, who played in the 1-0 win over Copenhagen and has not scored in eight games, was rested with manager Claudio Ranieri saying he needed to rotate his players as they juggles European and league commitments.

The Italian’s decision was justified as Okazaki added guile to the Leicester attack, while Islam Slimani was a menacing presence up front.