The Jamaica international scored in the 76th minute, restoring Villa’s lead after Stephy Mavididi’s equaliser, as he turned in the all-important goal from an Ian Maatsen cross.

After a cagey first half with few chances, the game finally opened up after the break, with Ross Barkley volleying home the opener for Villa just before the hour mark.

Mavididi, who had missed a gilt-edged chance to put Leicester in front soon after the restart, made amends as he fired in the equaliser five minutes later, but the Foxes could not find a second response after Bailey’s goal.

The defeat sees Leicester stay 19th with 14 points, two behind Wolverhampton Wanderers in 17th, while Unai Emery's Villa moved up to eighth on 32 points.

Bailey ended a run of 19 Premier League appearances without a goal and marked his first goal since April, against Bournemouth.

Only Ollie Watkins (44) has more Premier League goal involvements for Villa since the start of last season than the 27-year-old, who has scored 11 goals and created 11 assists.

Villa also completed its first league double over Leicester since the 2003-2004 season.

Villa is now on a 10-match unbeaten run in the league at Villa Park, winning six and drawing four of those games.

Only Arsenal (12) are currently enjoying a longer unbeaten run at home in the Premier League, and Emery believes his team has got its vigour back on home soil.

"In the second half, we were getting better and creating chances, not very clear chances but enough to score the two goals like we did," he said. 

"That match with those three points is fantastic for us. We are starting the second half of the season winning here at home, and we are feeling the confidence again. Those three points are very important. We keep trying to get stronger."

The Villa boss was without a number of key players, including injured Pau Torres and suspended duo Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers for the contest.

"We have to be proud of how we are doing, with the difficulties," Emery said.

"The difficulties today were that Leicester were performing well, and it is difficult to beat them."

Meanwhile, Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy thought his team deserved more from the game.

"We were on course to get something out of this game," he said.

"Overall, we controlled the game and didn't give big chances away. That is why it is disappointing we didn't take anything from this game. But we have to make sure we get these performances and convert them into points as well."