Erling Haaland celebrates after ending his goal drought
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City ended their five-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, marking Pep Guardiola’s 500th game in charge.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when 19-year-old Brazilian forward Savinho netted his first Premier League goal.
He capitalized on a rebound after Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk parried Phil Foden’s long-range shot, slotting the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Leicester City, under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, had opportunities to equalize.
Jamie Vardy’s pace troubled City’s defense, and the Foxes had a penalty appeal denied by an offside flag after Vardy was brought down by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Facundo Buonanotte also struck the crossbar, and Manuel Akanji made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny James Justin.
City secured the win in the 74th minute when Erling Haaland ended his goal drought.
Savinho provided a looping cross from the left, and Haaland rose to head the ball past Stolarczyk, marking his second goal in eight league games.
This victory lifts Manchester City to fifth place in the Premier League standings with 31 points, though they remain 11 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand. Leicester City stays in the relegation zone, positioned 18th.
Manager Pep Guardiola expressed relief after the match, stating,
So many days without winning when we are used to it. It’s a relief. The performance was not our best, Leicester were good. Happy for the result for the players, their commitment to be here.
Erling Haaland also commented on breaking his scoring drought:
Things happen, and we have to keep going; we have to stay positive and focus on the right things. It’s always a relief to score, and that was an important goal to go 2-0 up.
Leicester’s manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, acknowledged his team’s performance despite the loss:
I wouldn’t do the players credit if I didn’t. We’re professional; we know it’s about results, but we have to look through that because of the performance today. We have to be judged on results and translate performances into results.
This win which marked Pep Guardiola’s 500th in charge of the club, provides much-needed boost for Manchester City as they aim to regain their form in the Premier League.