Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City (Premier League)

In yet another must-win Premier League affair, Manchester City ran out 3-1 winners against relegation-threatened Leicester City in Dean Smith’s first outing as interim manager at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite the visitors deploying a low block from the off, it took just five minutes before Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead through an unlikely scorer. Rodri’s header found the feet of John Stones before the Englishman unleashed a wonderful half-volley past from outside the Leicester City box past Daniel Iversen.

Just under 10 minutes later, City had a second courtesy of an Erling Haaland penalty that was awarded after Jack Grealish’s cross struck Wilfred Ndidi’s hand, with the hosts awarded the chance to double their advantage following a VAR check.

City made it three within 30 minutes of play as Kevin De Bruyne won possession off Ndidi before driving towards the Leicester defence, who found themselves trembling towards their own goal.

The brilliant Belgian played an inch-perfect ball into the feet of Haaland, who chipped Iversen for his 32nd league goal of the campaign, and all but put the tie to bed before the interval.

Guardiola’s men could be accused of taking their foot off the gas and allowing Leicester an opportunity back into the game, with Kelechi Iheanacho netting into an empty net against his former side as Ederson and Kalvin Phillips collectively failed to deal with Harry Souttar’s header after 75 minutes.

Here’s how we rated the Manchester City performances against the Foxes-

Ederson – 6.5

Following a brilliant display against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Brazilian made a string of crucial saves and would arguably have dealt successfully with the Leicester consolation had it not been for Phillips’ involvement.

Kyle Walker – 7.5

Playing high and wide, Walker proved a threat to Leicester’s defence with his constant runs in behind and did prove good going backwards too.

Ruben Dias – 7

Not a display to set the world alight but Dias was solid enough to help the Blues grab an all-important three points. However, he was let off when James Maddison wasted a gifted opportunity to grab a second for the visitors late on.

Aymeric Laporte – 7.5

Having been out of the starting XI for a while, Laporte produced an impressive performance in a back-three. Staying deep on the left, the Spaniard proved a great anchor for Jack Grealish, leaving the winger plenty of space to do what he does best.

John Stones – 8.5

Back into his typical centre-back role, Stones was once again wonderful today and rewarded with his goal and a second-half rest ahead of the return leg of City’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern next week.

Rodri – 7.5

Not quite as good as his flawless display against Bayern in midweek, but Rodri produced another composed performance and also assisted the opener. He was replaced by Kalvin Phillips with 37 minutes left on the clock.

THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND!!! 😂🇳🇴 @SkySportsPL pic.twitter.com/IA4ZS6zAnb

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 15, 2023

Kevin De Bruyne – 8

After being taken off for ‘tactical reasons’ by Guardiola against Bayern, City’s playmaker-in-chief was at his creative best this afternoon, setting up Haaland for the opener and causing havoc all afternoon amongst the Leicester defence.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Not his best display in a City shirt but not his worst either. Silva was impressive until the Blues took a three-goal lead but as did many of his teammates, the Portuguese appeared to have slacked off when the likes of Rodri, De Bruyne and Haaland were all replaced. He was shown a first-half booking for taking down Maddison near the halfway line.

Jack Grealish – 7.5

With most of City’s play going down the left side, Grealish was more than involved this evening and thoroughly impressed once again, being clapped off by the Etihad faithful when he was replaced by Sergio Gomez.

Erling Haaland – 9

Just another two for the machine today with the second perhaps him all over. The impeccable pace in behind, a world-class touch and a glorious finish over the keeper.

The Norwegian has now levelled Mohamed Salah’s record of 32 goals in a single league campaign. Almost inevitably, the 22-year-old was taken off for Julian Alvarez at the break.

Riyad Mahrez: 7

Despite not contributing to any of the three City goals, Mahez played his part and put in a decent enough shift, though it remains to be seen whether the Algerian did enough to keep his place in the return leg against Bayern next week.

Substitutes:

Julian Alvarez – 6

Manuel Akanji – 6.5

Kalvin Phillips – 5

Cole Palmer – 5

Sergio Gomez – 5