Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City picked up their 18th league win of the campaign after dispatching 3rd place Leicester City by a narrow 1-0 scoreline on the night. The Citizens started the game looking like the likelier team to score but had to work extremely hard to break the deadlock eventually. Despite getting a penalty in the second half, it took an 80th-minute goal from substitute Gabriel Jesus to win City the tie.
Manchester City Players Rated In Victory Vs Leicester City
Ederson Moraes – 6
Made himself big on multiple occasions in the first half, and ensured that Jamie Vardy’s closest chance came off the post. Some good saves along the way to keep Leicester goalless.
Kyle Walker – 7
The Englishman had the added trouble of Jamie Vardy utilising his preferred flank but didn’t allow the Leicester striker too many clear runs at goal. Made some good forward barrages too.
Fernandinho – 7
Despite not being able to match up with Jamie Vardy’s pace in the first half, the Brazilian veteran made a multitude of top class tackles and interceptions to stop the Foxes from scoring.
Aymeric Laporte – 7.5
The central defender is clearly an upgrade on the other options that City have, and had a stellar game in front of Ederson. Came off at the 57th minute, probably as a precaution for midweek.
Benjamin Mendy – 6.5
The full-back tried to get forward whenever the opportunities presented themselves, but couldn’t create much. Didn’t have to do too much defending throughout the ninety though.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5
The German international was responsible for striking the effort that won City their penalty. He was involved in the build-up play right from the off and had a reasonably effective game in midfield.
Rodri Hernandez – 6.5
Although he was given a tough time for phases of the game by the sheer energy and dynamism of Tielemans and Maddison, the Spaniard eventually came out on top in the end.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7.5
The Belgian superstar could’ve had a hat-trick on most other days, but just couldn’t seem to apply the finishing touch tonight. Had Schmeichel scrambling on multiple occasions.
Riyad Mahrez – 8
Proved his worth to Guardiola tonight by putting up a stellar display against his former employers. Dribbled past challenges with ease and looks like a player reborn over recent weeks.
Sergio Aguero – 5
The Argentine talisman would’ve got at least one goal on any other night, but absolutely nothing seemed to be going his way. Ended the fixture with a poetic penalty miss too.
Bernardo Silva – 7
The Portuguese winger is versatile enough to affect various areas of the pitch and proved that today. Seemed to pop up in different positions as per requirement, but lacked the end-product tonight.
Substitutes
Nicolas Otamendi – 6
The Argentine kept it neat and tidy and seemed to carry on the good job that Laporte started in the first half.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Scored the winning goal just a few minutes after coming on, despite playing less than fifteen minutes in total.
