Leicester 0 Manchester City 1 : Jesus To The Rescue
By David Crook
Manchester City beat Leicester thanks to a goal from Jesus in the last 10 minutes.
This was one of those games which had everything. Penalties were awarded and others ignored. Great chances were missed at both ends, and yet somehow in the rain, Manchester City took the 3 points.
Pep Guardiola started with Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho at centre back, flanked by Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy. In midfield Ilkay Gundogan partnered Rodrigo and as the news was announced a milion blues all sighed.
The statistics which abound on social media about the Rodrigo/Gundogan partnership are sobering reading and unlikely to cheer anyone up after the UEFA news!
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They were joined by Kevin De Bruyne in midfield, and the attack comprised Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Sergio Aguero.
On paper the two sides were not evenly matched but on grass, in the swirling wind and rain, it took some time before the gulf in talent took hold.
Many of the early exchanges were about two sides weighing each other up and failing to land any knock out blows. There was a gentle sparring but City entered a period in the first half where they threatened to dominate.
Chances started to be carved out. Schmeichel saved at full stretch, Jamie Vardy hit the post when clean through. The first half drew to a close with honours even.
The second half started with a brisker pace and there was an increased bite on midfield. Bernardo Silva was almost everywhere, snapping at every misplaced pass.
City won a penalty after a clear handball in the area. Quite how it became a dilemma for VAR was unclear but after a lengthy delay Aguero stepped up and his shot was saved by Kaspar Schmeichel.
I do not believe there is a single Manchester City fan who is confident we will score a penalty again this season!
It began to seem as though the draw would do for both sides and Gabriel Jesus came on for the departing Aguero. His energy was helpful to our tired legs and his pressing caused Leicester all kinds of trouble.
The goal came from a turnover in play, Mahrez slipping the ball through to Jesus who unexpectedly scored his chance.
City managed out the last ten minutes and the 3 points mean they are now 7 points clear of Leicester. When the dust has settled in this busy period this will be viewed as an excellent win against our nearest challengers away from home. Now Madrid beckons.