Claudio Ranieri stays grounded after Leicester win takes them joint-top of the Premier League

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri insists his target remains to get to 40 points despite his side moving joint-top of the Premier League.

The Foxes saw off Watford 2-1 on Saturday to clinch a fourth league win in six and move level on points with leaders Manchester City, until Sunday at least.

"It was a fantastic afternoon but the match was very, very tough," Ranieri said. "We knew it would be difficult because Watford are a good team and they played very well.

"The atmosphere in the team is very good. It's electric. But not just now, it has been from the beginning. This group is very good. They are friends and I am glad to coach them.

"We deserved to win but to reach 40 points is our goal and until after that I don't want to change my mind. After that I don't know where I can go."

Striker Jamie Vardy scored for the ninth successive Premier League game, moving ever closer to Ruud van Nistelrooy's 10-game record in 2003.

Vardy had to convince regular spot-kick taker Riyad Mahrez to let him take the kick and Ranieri insists he has no issues with that.

"Of course Jamie wanted to score. It's normal. I don't know if it's the record but it's good for him," he said.

"Van Nistelrooy was a fantastic striker and Jamie has everything to achieve a high level. Both the penalties were very clear and I thought the referee played very well."