Leicester's woeful form continues after stalemate with Sunderland

Leicester City extended their winless run to seven matches after a 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

The Foxes failed to score for the fifth straight game as they wasted a host of chances against the Black Cats.

The home side dominated the opening 20 minutes with Jeff Schlupp spurning their best chance after side-footing the ball into the side netting.

Gus Poyet’s side eventually got a foothold in the game and were denied a goal by two outstanding saves by Kasper Schmeichel, first to parry Steven Fletcher’s effort before keeping out Adam Johnson’s long-range pile-driver.

Both teams continued to waste chances after the break with Matty James failing to beat Costel Pantilimon from close range before the same player again was unable to find the target minutes later.

Riyad Mahrez was a danger throughout for the home side and went close to breaking the deadlock with a ferocious effort from a tight angle that found the side-netting.

The point moves Leicester out of the drop zone while the Black Cats remain in 14th place.

3’ – FOXES CHANCE: James' corner finds Wasilewski but he cannot direct his header on target.

14’ – LEICESTER CHANCE: Schlupp fires the ball into the side netting after a brilliant through ball from Mahrez.

22’ – STUNNING SAVE: What a save by Schmeichel to parry Fletcher's shot from 12 yards out.

31’ – JOHNSON CHANCE: Johnson with a trademark curling effort from 25 yards, Schmeichel does well to tip the ball around the post to force a corner.

36’ – JOHNSON VOLLEY: The set-piece from Larsson falls to Johnson, whose spectacular half-volley loops over, decent effort.

51’ – FINE SAVE: Brilliant point-blank save from Pantilimon to keep out James’ ferocious effort from inside the area.

54’ – MAHREZ MAGIC: Mahrez with a great turn on the right wing and he lashes his effort into the side-netting.

57’ – PENALTY SHOUT: Mahrez goes down in the box under a challenge from Vergini, he was through on goal but no penalty is awarded.

66’ – JAMES CHANCE: Great one-two between Ulloa and James but the latter's low shot is saved by the keeper, that was a great chance.

Leicester have not won in the Premier League since beating Manchester United 5-3 in September.

Nigel Pearson’s side have taken just two points from their last seven games

Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three games.

Gus Poyet's side have now been involved in three goalless draws this season – the joint-most in the division, along with Burnley.

Is this result the death knell for Leicester? This was billed as a must-win game for Nigel Pearson’s men to end a miserable run of results. They didn’t manage it and next week’s game against Queens Park Rangers becomes that more important. With no goals and no wins for a while, their survival prospects look bleak. But with 26 games left and a January transfer window, there is still time for the Foxes to mount a fightback.

Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City): The Algerian livened up an otherwise drab game with his tricks and creativity on the right wing. He was unlucky not to break the deadlock in the first half and was by far the home side’s most effective player.

Leicester City: Schmeichel 8, De Laet 6, Morgan 6, Wasilewski 5, Konchesky 5, Schlupp 6, Cambiasso 5, James 7, Mahrez 8, Vardy 6, Ulloa 6. Subs: Knockaert 5, Nugent 5, Wood 5.

Sunderland: Pantilimon 7, O’Shea 5, Brown 3, Vergini 4, Reveillere 5, Cattermole 5, Gomez 5, Larsson 6, Wickham 5, Johnson 6, Fletcher 6. Subs: Bridcutt 4, Buckley 5.