3 things we learned in the Premier League this weekend: Foxes leap higher

With another round of Premier League action in the books, we take a look back at some of what we learned from the latest slate of matches.

Foxes ravage Swans

Hours before he deservedly picked up the PFA Player of the Year award, Riyad Mahrez bagged the opener in a 4-0 rout of Swansea City.

Related - Mahrez: From non-league reject to Player of the Year front-runner

Claudio Ranieri made some wise changes in the wake of Jamie Vardy's suspension. Jeffrey Schlupp was preferred to Marc Albrighton, ensuring there was still plenty of pace and enthusiasm in Vardy's absence. Leonardo Ulloa took over the Yorkshireman's position up front, and deputised superbly by bagging a brace.

With Vardy, Leicester was never a one-man team; a ridiculous notion presumably coined by those who haven't bothered tuning into the gripping series at the King Power Stadium. This was three points earned by each of the 14 used on Sunday, just like the 21 victories that came before it.

There is one legitimate claim that lessens the achievement of such a comprehensive victory, though: with its top-flight status secured, Swansea was and has been on holiday for some time. Ashley Williams stopped just short of packing Hawaiian shirts and blowing up a rubber ring in defence.

Next week, a trip to top four-chasing Manchester United - an FA Cup finalist after Saturday's late 2-1 win over Everton - should prove a much tougher test, but Leicester is inching closer to that fairy-tale title.

Rafa shows his moves back on Merseyside

Honours were even between Liverpool and Newcastle United on Saturday, but it's the spirited fightback from the latter that will bring encouragement to its bid to retain its Premier League status.

Back at Liverpool where he reigned for four seasons, Rafa Benitez animatedly conducted his team from the touchline, his gesticulations only rivalled by Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce throwing his corpulent frame around with gay abandon in the 0-0 draw against Arsenal a day later. Benitez has already proven a fine appointment on Tyneside, but one that came too late.

Just one point lies between Newcastle and safety, but Sunderland and Norwich City both have a game in hand on the Magpies and have too shown significant improvement and effort over the past month or so. It will take a miraculous escape for Benitez to drag his inherited squad to 17th place, even with the confidence taken from this point earned after being 2-0 down.

Saturday's pre-match buildup was marred by the news that Mamadou Sakho could face a significant suspension from the game after the Reds defender apparently took a fat burning supplement. His likely ban would deplete France's defensive options at Euro 2016, but also carve a path for the hapless Martin Skrtel back into Liverpool's starting XI. That's not good news for its bid for Europa League glory.

Liverpool kicks off its first leg in the final four of the competition at Villarreal on Thursday.

City enjoys ideal preparation for Real test

Kelechi Iheanacho is unlikely to be handed a start against Real Madrid on Tuesday, but his exploits on Saturday gave Manchester City a welcome boost ahead of its Champions League semi-final initiation.

The promising Nigerian scored two goals against Stoke City, both of which showcased his speed of thought and composure. Iheanacho could thrive under the management of Pep Guardiola next season.

A blessing in disguise could be that Yaya Toure is expected not to feature in the first leg against Real Madrid. The midfielder limped through the final minutes with what appeared to be a thigh issue, and will likely leave duties in front of the back four to Fernando and Fernandinho.

Related - Pellegrini: Yaya Toure to miss Real Madrid match

Toure should leave Manchester this summer after being a fantastic servant for City, at times taking it upon himself to single-handedly clinch silverware for his team. Against Real, however, this kind of work - or lack thereof - would be promptly capitalised upon very quickly: