How Manchester City rated as they ground out a determined victory over Leicester City

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Manchester City took a step closer to securing their top-four spot – and Champions League football next season – as a strong first-half display proved too much for a spirited Leicester City side.

David Silva gave the hosts a controversial first-half lead when his scuffed shot found its way into the back of the net – but not without Raheem Sterling interfering with play from an offside position.

There was no doubt about City’s second a few moments later, however, when Leroy Sane was cynically brought down inside the box before Gabriel Jesus stepped up to confidently add a second.

Leicester brought themselves back into the game shortly before the break through Shinji Okazaki’s exquisite volley, and the visitors had the chance to equalise in the second-half when Marc Albrighton was clumsily up-ended inside the area, but Riyad Mahrez’s penalty was ruled out for a double-hit.

Pep Guardiola’s side managed to see out the remaining quarter of an hour to extend their lead over Arsenal to six points and put the pressure on their top-four rivals, whilst Leicester remain in ninth.

See below for how The Boot Room rated as Pep Guardiola’s men in a dogged victory over Leicester.

Willy Caballero – Very little he could have done to prevent Okazaki’s superb volley from finding its way into the back of the net and he wasn’t called in to action too many times after that. 6.

Fernandinho – Deployed in a right-back role for the second consecutive week and found himself embroiled in a physical battle with Albrighton all afternoon. Looks uncomfortable in defence. 6.

Nicolas Otamendi – Has re-discovered form close to his best in recent weeks and made numerous key interventions as Leicester looked to unleash Vardy. Is beginning to build a solid little partnership alongside Kompany in the City defence and has surely given Guardiola something to think about. 7.

Vincent Kompany – Coped extremely well with the threat of Vardy, limiting him to just a single pass completed inside the first hour, and looked equally as comfortable against the physical presence of Slimani late on. Brings an assurance to the City defence that will still be needed for next season. 7.

Gael Clichy – Showed his lack of confidence when he passed up the chance to hit a first-time effort early-on and his challenge to bring down Mahrez inside the box was nothing short of clumsy. 5.

Yaya Toure – Helped the home side dominate possession in the midfield all match, allowing Leicester very few opportunities to get the ball to Vardy in the final third. Was a nice touch to give up his penalty duties to allow Jesus the opportunity to take the spot-kick. Solid and dependable as ever. 7.

Leroy Sane – Played his part in the build-up to the opener with a surging run into the area, and it was another industrious day’s work for the youngster. Followed this up moments later by winning a penalty with another mazy run and is truly beginning to look an exciting prospect at the Etihad. 8.

David Silva – Fresh from his superb performance last weekend he looked to pull the strings once more, being in the right place at the right time to scuff home City’s opener. Faded as the match went on but still played his part in probing for a third goal, playing searching balls in behind the Foxes’ defence. 7.

Kevin de Bruyne – After an outstanding afternoon’s work last week the Belgian was more on the periphery of play against the Foxes with most of City’s attacking play coming from wide outlets. Often guilty of sloppy touches on the ball but kept things ticking around well in the Leicester half. 6.

Raheem Sterling – Continued his good run of recent form with a lively display from right-wing, accelerating beyond Leicester defenders on more than one occasion. Involved in controversy surrounding the opening goal, and could have had a hatful of goals had he not been so greedy. 7.

Gabriel Jesus – Looked hungry from the start on Saturday, looking to exploit the space in behind the Leicester back-line. Tucked away his penalty confidently for his fifth Premier League goal and has now been directly involved in eight goals in nine games – there’s no doubt he’s the future at the Etihad. 8.

Sergio Aguero – Exactly five years to the day since his injury-time title winner, he was given the final 15 minutes as City looked to see out the three points. Looked lively but had no clear chances. 5. 

Pablo Zabaleta – Given the final ten minutes to repel Leicester’s pressure. N/A.

Jesus Navas – Came on in added time to run the clock down. N/A.

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