Manchester City got back to winning ways and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points, after emphatically beating Leicester City 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
After a frustrating draw away to Burnley in the previous match, Pep Guardiola’s men were determined to redeem themselves for a poor display with a big win at home to Claude Puel’s Leicester. They didn’t disappoint, did they?
Within just three minutes of the game starting, Raheem Sterling had converted from a fantastic Kevin De Bruyne cross to make it 1-0. The lead was cut short after a couple of mistakes from City players allowed Jamie Vardy the chance to give Leicester a way back into the game. The rest of the first half was frustrating for Guardiola’s side as they struggled to regain their advantage against a stubborn Foxes side.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, as De Bruyne was provider again for Sergio Aguero to convert his first goal of the game. A third goal followed almost instantly after Kasper Schmeical’s error gave De Bruyne the chance to play in Aguero again for 3-1 and to end the game as a contest. With just over 10 minutes to go, another bad error from Schmeical allowed Aguero to complete his hat-trick with a delightful chip over the Danish goalkeeper and seal the three points. The rout was secured on 90 minutes as Phil Foden’s run and pass found Aguero again, who’s powerful shot cannoned off the crossbar and in.
Another great win for City as they continue their Champions League campaign on Tuesday in Switzerland.
Here are our player ratings from the match.
Ederson - 7
Another great performance from Ederson, who commanded his box well and ensured that his defence kept their composure in crucial points of the match. His distribution was immaculate once again.
Kyle Walker - 7
Early sprints down the right flank were key in ensuring City’s attacking dominance. As the game wore on, he reverted back to a solid defender, making sure that he was watertight when it came to dealing with Leicester’s attacking threat.
Nicolas Otamendi - 7
A stupid mistake early on allowed Vardy to convert for Leicester’s equaliser, but he redeemed himself with solid defending and a great range of passing.
Aymeric Laporte - 7
Struggled to deal with Vardy’s pace for his equaliser, but the Frenchman adapted to his style and put in a composed performance at the back.
Aleks Zinchenko - 7
He keeps getting better and better in his new position, and is providing more of an impact going forward. Subbed for Danilo later on because of Mahrez’s presence, which helped City nullify his threat.
Kevin De Bruyne - 10
Three more assists for the Belgian, helping his team to another crucial victory on the road to the Premier League title. His footwork and trickery was mesmerising, and his resilience to what ever is put in front of him is inspirational to see.
Fernandinho - 8
He was the catalyst to everything City did and showed the right amount of composure and physicality to deal with Leicester’s counter-attacks. Going forward, he was just as effective.
Ilkay Gundogan - 8
Gundogan was fantastic in allowing City move the ball from defence into attack, allowing De Bruyne to create the chances whilst he was behind the scenes dictating the tempo.
Bernardo Silva - 8
Bernardo is starting to gain a great reputation with City fans – and it’s easy to see why! His ability on the ball and his overall performances are sublime to watch. Starting to become a name stay in this machine of a football team.
Sergio Aguero - 10
A contrast in halves for Aguero – wasteful and average in the first, but clinical and efficient in the second. He was outstanding, showing the qualities of a world class striker. Harry Kane may be seen as the best striker right now, but Aguero is still up there with the best.
Raheem Sterling - 8
Put that embarrassing miss behind him with an assured finish early on to give his side the best start possible. Linked up well with De Bruyne for the second goal, and was influential in the build-up play for most of City’s attacks.