Manchester City bounced back to winning ways with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. That win moved City well ahead in the standings, jumping into third place in the English Premier League table. On the flip side, Leicester’s woes persisted as they pushed their winless run to seven games without a goal. This sad streak is only one match away from repeating the longest streak ever seen in Premier League history.
The match started in an atmosphere of protest by Man City fans, delayed entering the ground by TEA ticketing fiasco. Despite this very slow beginning, City was able to grow into the game and dominate. The Foxes, managed by PSV Eindhoven legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, found it hard to create chances all night. They ended up with zero shots on goal and an expected goals (xG) of 0.02—worst in the top flight this season. In sharp contrast, City wasted a host of opportunities to double their advantage, including three separate chances to extend their lead to 3-0.
Leicester’s Ongoing Struggles
Leicester City’s plight goes from bad to worse as they are still 12 points clear of safety in the Premier League. Their failure to score has been the most glaring cutout of their perennial struggle. This most recent loss to Man City happens to be the seventh straight match in which Leicester hasn’t scored a goal.
That national historical context ought to be alarming. They’re only one game away from equaling the Premier League record for the longest consecutive games without a goal. The Foxes were absolutely abysmal going forward in that game. In return, they offered little defensive resistance and recorded a paltry expected goals (xG) of 0.02.
City’s Performance and Managerial Insight
Manchester City displayed a more dynamic performance, showcasing their attacking prowess even without star striker Erling Haaland due to injury. His goalkeeper’s best friend Pep Guardiola then bigged-up Jack Grealish’s contributions on and off the pitch.
“Jack is an incredible human being in terms of gestures. He’s incredibly generous,” said Guardiola.
Grealish’s poise on the ball and knack for providing big-time passes has been key to the team this season. City could not take their opportunities to put them ahead with a third goal. Still, they achieved a typical win, bearing testimony to their worsening supremacy in the league.
Fan Reactions and Future Implications
The feeling in the stadium shifted at the same time. Manchester City fans celebrated jubilantly their side’s capitalizing victory, while most Leicester fans mournfully walked out early in a dejected huff from the club’s fifth consecutive loss. The consequences of this defeat go further than just Leicester’s loss of three points, as the Foxes’ survival in the Premier League becomes even more ominous.
Given their strange shape, it’s hard to tell how Van Nistelrooy will zigzag around these issues in the future. The Foxes need to figure out a way to turn their fortunes around fast if they want a shot at staying out of the relegation zone. In the negative, Manchester City is still going strong and keeping the pressure on at the top of the table.
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