Midfielder Joe Ledley got the goal but keeper Julian Speroni was the hero as Crystal Palace performed a smash and grab raid at struggling Leicester City.

The 28-year-old snuck in to head home Brede Hangeland’s nod down from close range at a 55th minute corner to secure a 1-0 win at the King Power stadium.

Leicester demonstrated why they are struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League as they dominated for most parts but could not find the net with Speroni in inspired form.

The Foxes should have gone in at the break 3-0 up, but for a mixture of the Argentinean’s skill and the wood work.

First, Riyad Mahrez – a threat all game - wriggled free from Martin Kelly and tested the 35-year-old shotstopper from close range before Scott Dann blocked David Nugent’s follow up.

The former England striker headed against the up right from a Mahrez corner, before he crossed for Schlupp to volley too close to Speroni.

Boss Alan Pardew introduced Yaya Sanogo and Hangeland at half time for Mutch and Dann and the pair were instrumental in Palace taking the lead.

Sanogo wrestled clear, but his effort was blocked by Marcin Wasilewski and from the resultant corner Ledley stooped to conquer.

Ledley almost turned villain when his back pass found Nugent, but – having rounded Speroni – he, Esteban Cambiasso and Leonardo Ulloa could not find the net.

In a frantic final ten minutes McArthur cleared a Jamie Vardy header off the line and, with three minutes on the clock, Vardy forced Speroni into another fine save.

Leicester might have played for another week and not scored.

Palace (4-3-3): Speroni: Kelly, Delaney, Dann (Hangeland 45), Ward; Ledley, McArthur, Puncheon; Zaha, Mutch (Sanogo 45), Gayle (Guedioura 78).

Subs: Mariappa Hangeland, Guedioura, Sanogo, Campbell, Hennessey, Murray.

Attendance: 31,695 (3,267)