PEP GUARDIOLA MARKS 500TH GAME IN STYLE: Man City End 2024 with 2-0 Win at Leicester!
Manchester City celebrated Pep Guardiola’s milestone 500th game in charge with a triumphant 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday. Goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland ensured the Premier League champions ended 2024 on a high note despite recent struggles.
Both sides showed attacking intent early on. Kevin De Bruyne’s sharp cut-back set up Haaland, but the Norwegian’s effort was easily stopped by Jakub Stolarczyk. At the other end, Jamie Vardy nearly capitalized on a defensive lapse, only for Stefan Ortega to save the day after Josko Gvardiol’s errant header.
City struck first when Phil Foden’s powerful long-range shot was parried by Stolarczyk, allowing Savinho to pounce for his maiden goal since joining in the summer. Leicester, undeterred, came close to equalizing, with Facundo Buonanotte rattling the post before halftime.
The Foxes controlled much of the second half but failed to find the back of the net. Manuel Akanji cleared James Justin’s shot off the line, and Vardy’s close-range volley sailed over, ensuring City secured all three points to cap off the year.
In the closing stages, it was Erling Haaland who eased Manchester City’s nerves. The prolific Norwegian striker found space at the back post to head home a perfectly floated cross from Savinho, sealing a hard-fought 2-0 victory. This crucial goal not only marked Haaland’s return to form but also handed City just their second win in their last 14 outings across all competitions.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Stefan Ortega (7/10):
Alert to deny Vardy after Gvardiol’s headed back-pass fell short, and looked assured in most of his work to secure City’s first away clean sheet since October 1.
Rico Lewis (7/10):
Spent much of the game inverted into central midfield and showed some nice touches when combining with Foden and De Bruyne. Fared OK when forced into more defensive work in the second half, too.
Manuel Akanji (6/10):
A statue at times as Leicester played through City, but grew into the game as it wore on. In the right place to clear Justin’s effort off the line.
Nathan Ake (7/10):
Stepped up to catch Vardy offside on more than one occasion, and made a couple of key interventions inside his own penalty area. Looked like he picked up an injury midway through the second half, however.
Josko Gvardiol (5/10):
Very lucky not to be punished by Vardy after his header landed at the striker’s feet inside the City penalty area. A threat in the final third, but defensively continues to struggle.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Carried the ball through midfield, but that did leave him out of position on transition at times. Combative but lacks the quality of Rodri.
Kevin De Bruyne (8/10):
The best player on the pitch as he made smart runs and played incisive passes that opened up the Leicester defence. Involved in the build-up to both goals in a performance that showed that his class remains.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Characteristically busy in midfield as he found passing angles and put himself about defensively. Couldn’t quite have a telling impact, however.
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Attack
Phil Foden (5/10):
His shot led to Savinho’s opener while he put in a few teasing crosses, but last season’s Premier League Player of the Year continues to struggle in terms of making a telling contribution.
Erling Haaland (6/10):
Did not bring his shooting boots in the first half, as he fired straight at Stolarczyk early on before putting an effort wide after working himself into a good position. Eventually got his goal, however, with a towering header to seal the points, and looked reborn thereafter as he drove at the Leicester defence.
Savinho (7/10):
Recovered from a shaky start to react quickest to Foden’s parried shot and find the net for the first time in City blue. Quiet thereafter until his fine cross found Haaland for the second City goal.
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Subs & Manager
James McAtee (7/10):
Brilliant quick feet on the right led to City’s second goal after he replaced Foden, and he proved a real livewire down the right after replacing Foden.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Solid up against Mavididi after replacing the stricken Ake.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
His side were far from convincing and he still needs to find answers in defensive transition, but can at least celebrate a rare victory after a barren couple of months.