Leicester have taken a trip to the lion’s den and come back with three points. City were Leicester’s biggest title rivals and an early somewhat fortuitous goal by Robert Huth in the 3rd minute set the tone of the game. It completely set the mood of what materialised thereafter.
City looked downtrodden and defeated even after that first goal, the body language was languid and there was no display of any energy or hunger or desire. There seems no pride at home to put on a good solid display.
Leicester have a verve about them and they have an intense knowledge that if and when they score first their game plan is nigh on unbeatable.
An out and out counterattacking team like Leicester are at their most dangerous when 1-0 up as the opposition has to come at them. They draw the opposition out hitting them in a fast and furious fashion putting the game to bed.
Martin Demichelis was at fault for goals number two and three. The probable player of the season, Algerian Riyad Mahrez, left him flat footed on the edge of the 18 yard box to create space, he then gave Joe Hart the eyes looking one way and shooting the other to bury the second in the 48th minute.
Leicester were comfortably 3-0 up in the 68th minute when Robert Huth out jumped Demichelis from a corner to bury number three. Three nil up away from home and Leicester were not flattered, they fully deserved it, taking the game to City at every chance. Confidence just streams off Leicester whilst City looked devoid of any fluency or confidence.
David Silva had a couple of half chances but has not been able to weave his magic as productively as he has previously managed. Silva’s telepathic relationship with Aguero seems fractured and disjointed. Raheem Sterling’s form has dropped off a cliff and there is a distinct lack of creativity of late. City can only hope Sami Nasri injects some creativity when he comes back from injury imminently.
It was a bizzare sight watching a table topping game at the Etihad and yet there were so many empty seats. Very topical given the Liverpool fans demonstration and walk out on the 77th minute as a protest at the £77 tickets in the new price rises for next season. City are unable to fill their ground at the current 55,500 capacity and Liverpool’s owners FSG would do well to take heed of the Etihad when the Anfield new stand opens.
Sergio Aguero scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute, but it was too little too late. City have spent £30m+ on each of Otamendi and Mangala and yet the combined £4m on Wes Morgan and Robert Huth put them to shame with their discipline and robust defending. The combined cost of the Leicester team was £23m compared to the £225m the City team cost, City really have squandered vast amounts of money on players who look average, and look like financial mercenaries when compared to the vibrant, hungry, energetic Leicester contingent.
MoM : Riyad Mahrez
