“He’s back,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said of Kevin De Bruyne as his perfectly-struck free kick was enough to overcome the absence of Erling Haaland and give the club, a 1-0 win at Leicester.
Striker Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City’s squad for Saturday’s Premier League game at Leicester after picking up an ankle problem.
Haaland has started every game this season following his off-season move, scoring 22 goals in all competitions, but was taken off at halftime of City’s midweek Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund and was seen limping the day after the match, according to AFP.
Julian Alvarez came in for his second league start of the season at Leicester to replace the Norwegian forward.
In a tightly fought contest at the King Power on Saturday lunchtime, Pep Guardiola’s side secured “a massive win” thanks to De Bruyne’s swerving 49th-minute free-kick that sailed up and over the Leicester wall from 25 yards out, before finding the back of the net off the inside of the post with Danny Ward helpless, Skysports reports.
City had dominated the first half but lacked a clear focal point in attack after Haaland was ruled out with an ankle problem, the first time the Norway striker has missed a game this season.
Julian Alvarez was given his second league start of the season instead but couldn’t carve out many openings despite City being camped in Leicester’s half for much of the match.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers’ tactics were clear as the hosts sat back deep and defended compactly while waiting for chances to counterattack.
“There was no space. (Alvarez) moved really well but if you put the ball there it’s difficult,” Guardiola said. “When they defend in this position it’s so difficult for all strikers.”
Youri Tielemans nearly equalized for Leicester in the 53rd with a spectacular volley from outside the area that forced a reaction save from Ederson as he tipped the ball onto the crossbar.
That was as close as Leicester came to rescuing a point. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho wasted two decent chances when he shot well wide after being teed up in the area and then forced a fairly comfortable save from Ederson.
AFP
