City could be about to return to form after a 2-0 win over Leicester City saw them stay within touching distance of Chelsea despite having only won three times in two months. A goal either side of half-time was enough to seal the three points for The Blues but it was another less-than-satisfactory performance that failed to excite.
City put out a much-changed team after the disappointing loss at Anfield on Sunday, with Kompany being dropped/rested in favour of a partnership between Mangala and Demichelis, while Zabaleta was also out in favour of Bacary Sagna. Wilfried Bony got his first start for City after three previous substitute appearances, replacing Edin Dzeko alongside Sergio Aguero. Fernandinho was also left out, with Fernando being preferred alongside Yaya Toure.
The first half started much like it would have been expected to, and how they would expect it to go on – with City on top. The Blues worked hard to try and break the deadlock before half-time, but perhaps the closest they came was when Bony fired a half-volley just wide that would have been his first for the club. A string of superb stops from Schwarzer also kept The Blues at bay. However, they did finally manage to break Leicester down, thanks to Spaniard David Silva late in the half. The ball was crossed in low from the left by Kolarov, finding David Silva just outside the six-yard box. His initial shot was blocked by a Leicester defender, but the rebound was left to him perfectly to put past a Schwarzer who was already floored by the initial attempt, leaving him with no chance.
In the second half, City worked hard to try and extend their perilous lead but struggled against a rejuvenated Leicester side, who almost levelled on 74 minutes when Mahrez hit the post with Hart having no chance of getting the ball. However, the match was eventually settled on 88 minutes thanks to James Milner, on as a substitute. It came after Jesus Navas displayed some of the pace he’s seemingly been lacking at times this season, taking on the Leicester defence while he waited for support. As Milner arrived in the middle, the Spanish winger played a brilliant cross to the England international, who had very little trouble in converting and doubling the City lead, adding some vital safety to the final minutes of the game.
Whilst it still looks unlikely City will be lifting the league title come May, with Chelsea retaining their five-point gap thanks to a win at West Ham United on Wednesday, this certainly has positive signs. It might not have been a vintage City performance by any stretch of the imagination, but it can show we’re returning to some sort of form, now having won three of the last four league games. Hopefully we can carry this into the final couple of crucial months of the season, and not lose track of what we want again.
