Man City beat Leicester, rise to third place

The Etihad Stadium team took an important step forward in the race for the top 4 when they won 2-1 against former champions Leicester.

David Silva celebrates with Leroy Sane, the player who created the opening goal. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Silva (29'), Jesus (penalty 36') - Okazaki (42').

Winger Leroy Sane continued his impressive performance when he contributed greatly to both of Man City's goals.

The former Schalke 04 player dribbled down the left wing and assisted David Silva to open the scoring. Sane won the second goal after being fouled by centre-back Yohan Benalouane in the box. Gabriel Jesus doubled the lead from the spot.

Leicester gave themselves a lift late in the first half with a fine goal from Okazaki. The Japanese striker volleyed home after meeting Marc Albrighton's high pass from the left.

The former champions looked to have sent City stumbling at home after Riyad Mahrez was fouled by Gael Clichy in the box late in the second half. However, the referee ruled out the goal despite Mahrez putting the ball in the net from the penalty spot. The Algerian midfielder slipped and touched the ball with his right foot before taking the penalty with his left foot. The penalty was not awarded because it only took one touch from the kicker.

A thrilling win over Leicester helped Man City climb to third place in the Premier League. The team has 72 points, six points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal, who have played a game more.

Mahrez's invalid penalty kick. Photo: Reuters.

Man City started well, dominating the game and scoring two goals. But the game turned around after Leicester pulled one back thanks to an excellent finish from Okazaki. After the break, Man City continued to be threatened by Leicester's counter-attacks and the visitors could have gone home with a point had Mahrez not missed a penalty.

This is a big relief for coach Pep Guardiola, who is under a lot of pressure after coming away empty-handed in his first season at Man City. The top 4 target is extremely important in his transfer plan and the style of play he hopes to build next season.

Leicester could be considered the only major rival for Man City this season. Man City will host West Brom at home in their final two games before visiting Watford in the final round. If Man City beat both of these relegated teams, they will decide third place and go straight into the group stage of the Champions League next season.

Meanwhile, Leicester had a good match against Man City despite playing with a makeshift defense. Coach Shakespeare's team lost both their main center backs, Robert Huth and Wes Morgan, so he had to pair defender Fuchs with Benalouane and trust young talent Chinwell on the left wing.

Leicester's highlight is still the mobile attack that makes it difficult for Man City to keep up. The aggressiveness of Jamie Vardy and Okazaki creates a lot of space for the second line, including the runs of Riyad Mahrez and Albrighton. Leicester still shows the strength of a team that just won the championship last season and has the right to hope for the future.

According to VNE