Manchester City 2-0 Leicester City: Grealish ends goal drought as Cityzens defeat Foxes to boost Champions League hopes
Jack Grealish ended his 16-month Premier League goal drought as Manchester City secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over struggling Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. The win keeps City's push for Champions League qualification on track, moving them into fourth place with 51 points from 30 matches. Leicester remain in deep trouble, sitting 19th with 17 points, 12 away from safety.
Pep Guardiola was forced to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban, while a large number of City fans missed the opening minutes, including Grealish’s goal, as part of a protest against ticket prices.
"It wasn't easy with 10 players behind the ball," Guardiola told the BBC. "We missed the third goal to be more relaxed, it's never over. But pleased for a good performance. We never give up to find the third goal. A performance that nothing wrong happened, everyone focused. We missed a third goal, that's all."
Leicester's struggles continued as they suffered a seventh consecutive league defeat without scoring. Their lack of attacking threat was evident, managing an expected goals figure of just 0.02—the lowest recorded by any team this season.
"Not scoring, losing games, so the bad start is extra hard to recover from," Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports. "The situation we're in, only by hard work can we get out. The gap is huge now, it's a challenge. Nevertheless, we have eight games to play and we have to represent ourselves in the best possible way."
City controlled the match from start to finish and were given an early advantage thanks to Grealish’s well-taken goal. Jeremy Doku won possession in midfield before Savinho delivered a low cross, which Grealish calmly placed into the net from 15 meters.
"It is not easy when you don't play regularly," Guardiola said. "The goal is good for him and playing in a more central position, he's more comfortable on the sides. He's playing really good."
City doubled their lead after a costly mistake from Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. The shot-stopper failed to collect a routine cross, allowing Omar Marmoush to pounce and fire the ball in off the underside of the bar.
With Erling Haaland sidelined for seven weeks due to an ankle injury, Marmoush could play a crucial role in City's push for a Champions League spot.
"He has a good sense, good numbers for the short time he's been with us. Dynamic, good pressing, really pleased for him," Guardiola said of Marmoush.
SportsLigue