Manchester City vs. Leicester City: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
After a disastrous week that saw Manchester City lose two key games, their 2-0 win over Leicester City at the Etihad on Wednesday was most welcome—particularly for Manuel Pellegrini, who has come under intense scrutiny in recent days.
City were taken apart by Barcelona in the first half of the 2-1 defeat a week ago, leaving their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. They were then outplayed by Liverpool on Sunday, again losing 2-1, a result which left Chelsea five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, having played a game fewer.
Their win over Leicester was far from perfect, but they dominated the second half and fully deserved the three points.
Here are the winners and losers from the game.
Winner: David Silva
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David Silva scored his 10th league goal of the season and was the most creative player on the pitch, providing some wonderful moments of passing brilliance as he put in a Man of the Match performance to help defeat the Foxes.
He has been the one constant for City this season, a player of such technical quality that it often seems impossible to dispossess him.
He started on the left in this game but consistently drifted inside, taking up spaces between the lines where Leicester’s defenders and midfielders struggled to shackle him.
He was superb.
Loser: Wilfried Bony
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It was a frustrating night for Wilfried Bony.
He won headers all over the pitch—including in his own box—and showed great strength, holding the ball up and bringing others into play. However, his profligacy in front of goal made this a night to forget.
He had numerous chances to score and failed to do so, which will have frustrated him, even if his all-round contribution was impressive.
Winner: Manuel Pellegrini
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After a week of criticism and speculation over his future, Pellegrini made some bold selection calls and they all paid off.
He dropped Vincent Kompany and brought in Martin Demichelis, who was excellent, and Gael Clichy remained banished to the sidelines after his red card against Barcelona.
He also brought Jesus Navas back into the fold, and the Spaniard added potency down City's right, with his pace a constant threat.
Pellegrini was bold tonight, and although this win changes little in terms of the title race, he can feel satisfied with his choices.
Loser: Vincent Kompany
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It’s a rare sight at City: Kompany fully fit yet on the substitute's bench.
He’s been a beacon of brilliance and consistency in his time at the Etihad, but his form in recent weeks has collapsed so badly that he now finds himself on the bench.
Unfortunately for him, both Mangala, who has struggled at times this season, and Demichelis impressed against Leicester. It’s likely now he will remain out of the starting XI when City go to Burnley next weekend.
Winner: Jesus Navas
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Having been involved in the first team for much of the season, Navas has found his role restricted in recent weeks, despite his display at Chelsea in late January which was arguably his best of the season.
However, he returned to the side tonight and gave an excellent display. Right from the offset, he looked like he had the beating of Paul Konchesky, with his pace too much for the former Liverpool left-back to handle.
His assist in the closing stages was excellent, setting up James Milner with a run and cross. He can consider himself back in the selection frame after this display.
Loser: Nigel Pearson
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Leicester have taken just eight points from their last 11 league games, a run of form which has left them at the foot of the table and staring down the barrel of an instant return to the Championship.
After such an exhilarating promotion last season, their top-flight appearance looks like it could end up being a fleeting one.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson will be angry his side were denied a penalty in the first half when Bony upended Jeff Schlupp, but his side played within themselves again.
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