Full Time: Manchester City 2-1 Leicester City
Manchester City took a huge step towards confirming their place in the top four of the Premier League when they defeated Leicester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Two first-half goals from midfield linchpin David Silva and sensational Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus were enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to clinch three points, despite a fine strike from Shinji Okazaki close to half time. Leicester kept pushing for an equalizer and Riyad Mahrez had a goal denied from the penalty spot late in the game after he made contact with the ball twice, as City managed to hold on for the win.
The result sees the Citizens move into the third spot in the table, ahead of Liverpool. Here is how the City players fared on the day:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Willy Caballero – 6/10
Made a solid stop in the first period, comfortable with the ball at his feet. Nothing he could have done to stop Okazaki’s fierce volley.
Fernandinho – 8/10
Excellent. Kept Marc Albrighton in check as he defended exceptionally well. Got forward with purpose as well, helping his team out in attack. Looks like Guardiola has a solution for his full-back woes.
Vincent Kompany – 7/10
Nullified the threat of Jamie Vardy completely as he was always on top of him, never giving the Englishman an inch. His passing from the back was good too.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6/10
Was left for dead in his tracks by Vardy on one occasion in the first period. His slip allowed Okazaki to take the shot at goal. Otherwise a solid display.
Gael Clichy – 5/10
Looked at odds against the pace and trickery of Riyad Mahrez. In one such moment in the second period, clashed with the Algerian in the box to give away a penalty.
Yaya Toure – 6/10
Had a relatively quiet outing on his 34th birthday. Gave the solidity in the midfield, but seemed to get tired as the game progressed.
Raheem Sterling – 5.5/10
Did not really show up on the day. Reluctant to shoot, passing not quite upto the mark. Was rightly hauled off, as the manager looked to change things up.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6/10
Was a pivotal part in City’s dominance in the first half as he carried the ball with menace, but struggled to reproduce the same in the second period.
David Silva – 7/10
Was a threat in the first period with his clever movement, despite being closed down by Leicester. Not so much after the second period. Opened the scoring with a well-taken goal.
Leroy Sane – 8/10
Created the opener for Silva, before drawing the foul from Yohan Benalouane for the penalty. Offered City’s biggest threat in attack with his directness.
Gabriel Jesus – 7.5/10
Put in another excellent shift as he acted as City’s first line of defence, pressing from the top. Scored the penalty to take his tally to 5 goals for the season.
Substitutes
Sergio Aguero – NA
Replaced Sterling with just over ten minutes left. Looked lively.
Pablo Zabaleta – NA
Came on for De Bruyne in the 82nd minute. Was strong defensively.
Jesus Navas – NA
Was a late substitute during the added time.