Two goals in the opening two minutes of either half helped Manchester City to beat a tired Leicester at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Riyad Mahrez started on the bench after returning to training with the ‘Foxes’ on Friday, disappointed that a deadline day transfer to City had fallen through.
Kevin de Bruyne dominated proceedings from his position in midfield as he provided the assist for the first three of the ‘Citizens’ goals. The first came inside two minutes as the Belgian whipped a first time cross from the right to the back post where Raheem Sterling couldn’t miss. It was the ex-Liverpool player’s 20th goal in all competitions this season.
City controlled posession as expected but in the 25th minute, Jamie Vardy stole the ball in midfield and made his way toward Ederson’s goal. Aymeric Laporte stood off him and Vardy made some space for himself before he fired a shot through the Frenchman’s legs and into the bottom corner.
It came as a shock for City who must have been licking their lips after going a goal up so early. The scoreline remained level through half-time, before City came racing out the blocks once again.
Two minutes after the restart de Bruyne sent a cross low into the box, and this time it was Sergio Aguero waiting at the back post. Aguero scored his second not long after as he was played into the box by de Bruyne again and finished past Schmeichel, who got a touch.
Schmeichel turned provider for City’s fourth as his terrible pass went straight to Aguero on the edge of the box who chipped back over him to complete his hat-trick on 77 minutes.
For Leicester, the afternoon quickly turned from promising to humbling, and the introduction of Mahrez on the hour did little to help. The Algerian looked lively but the gulf in class between his current employers and his potential suitors is evident.
City re-established their 16 point lead at the top of the table, with Manchester United to play tomorrow, while Leicester stay on 35 points - 10 above the drop zone.