Man City player ratings gallery: Four players score 8/10 as one given 4/10 in win over Leicester City
The player ratings from Manchester City’s hard-fought win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Manchester City picked up all three points at the King Power Stadium on Saturday in a game of fine margins.
Pep Guardiola’s men were forced to be patient against a low Leicester block, and without the absent Erling Haaland, they found it difficult to find penetration. Fortunately for City, Kevin De Bruyne was present, and he made the difference with a superb free-kick just three minutes after the break.
The Belgian curled the free-kick on off the post, and it was a much-needed break for City, who were left frustrated throughout the first half by a solid Foxes backline.
In truth, that continued after the goal, too, with Leicester continuing to defend deep, remaining patient and hoping for chances on the break, even after going one down. But City’s defence remained measured and concentrated to keep the home side’s attack in check.
Youri Tielemans came the closest for Leicester, with Ederson forced to produce a fine save to keep out the Belgian’s excellent volley following a corner. But other than that, City produced a fine defensive performance, and paired with De Bruyne’s magic with the free-kick, they did enough to return from the East Midlands with all three points.
Here we take a look at how each player performed in the player ratings.
1. Ederson - 8
Made a superb save to deny what would have been an incredible Youri Tielemans goal. A largely quiet day other than that.
2. Manuel Akanji - 8
Some lovely passes forward, and joined the attack, at times. Comfortable at the back.
3. Aymeric Laporte - 9
Some key blocks. Kept a close eye on Vardy, making some well-timed challenges to prevent efforts on goal. Strong performance.
4. John Stones - 7
A quiet day at the back - in a positive way. Always on the front foot, and helped push things forward. A scary moment at the end when his clearance header hit Ruben Dias, but the ball bounced harmlessly behind.