Without Erling Haaland, and with Phil Foden on the bench, there were legitimate questions about who could be Manchester City's match-winner at Leicester. Julian Alvarez hasn't shown enough yet to fill fans with confidence that he can be that man, and the line-up looked like one set up to contain rather than attack with much flair.
The first half followed that pattern, with Haaland feeling like a big miss, but when Kevin De Bruyne stroked a fine free-kick into the top corner off the post shortly into the second period, it was a reminder that he remains City's main man and creator of big moments when they need him most. Haaland tweeted his appreciation for De Bruyne's goal, although he will have heard De Bruyne's own message loud and clear.
For the first half, Jack Grealish did the same thing every time he got the ball: bring it forward, see no options available, and check back to recycle possession. In a game where City had to force the issue, Grealish often declined the chance to drive with the ball to instead keep possession. It's what he's asked to do, and regularly does well, but sometimes slowed a painfully-slow game down even further.
So in the second half, when Grealish was the furthest man forward, with no support, he had no alternative but to keep running. He did exactly that, dropped a shoulder, and Leicester had no choice but to bring him down. From the free-kick, De Bruyne found the top corner and broke the hosts' stubborn resistance, winning the game for City. It would have been impossible without Grealish taking the shackles off and running at the defence - something fans have been urging him to do all season.
City encountered a new problem at Leicester that they haven't faced before this season - how to attack without Haaland. The only other time he hasn't started saw a red card 30 minutes in force any attacking intent to be abandoned in Copenhagen, and other times Haaland has been replaced, the need for pushing forward hasn't been imperative.
So with Haaland out against Leicester, City played Julian Alvarez, who Pep Guardiola assured reporters would have scored plenty more than his current four goals had he played more. His chances at Leicester were limited with City still putting aerial balls into the box where Haaland usually is - but Alvarez had no chance against the much taller duo of Wout Faes and Caglar Soyuncu. When they did play the ball on the floor to Alvarez, they got in behind - but they didn't do it too often.
With Leicester camping incredibly deep throughout, there was little space for Alvarez to work with as he looked to make the most of his first Premier League start on his own without Haaland. His one chance in the first half saw an angled shot well saved before the flag went up, but most balls into the box were over his head rather than into his feet.
He cannot be accused of not running or not chasing every lost cause, however, he struggled to make anything himself against Leicester's imposing back-five and it was telling he was replaced when Guardiola went in search of a second goal to kill the game. Maybe against Sevilla, with nothing riding on the result, he can get more space to operate in a game that may play to his strengths. For now, though, there was no sign of the goals Guardiola insisted would come if he played more often.
City have no need to play any key men against Sevilla this week with all places in the Champions League group decided. So expect the likes of De Bruyne, Joao Cancelo and maybe Rodri to get a night off on Wednesday. Others, like Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, might be given reduced roles to limit their minutes.
In defence, maybe John Stones will drop to the bench after two consecutive starts, while Manuel Akanji has played a part in most games recently. Alvarez will surely get another chance to lead the line as there's no need to rush Haaland back, while Grealish may eye a chance to get a goal to build on recent form.
norrike
0
๐๐๐u are right bro but Sancho perform better this time
Better?? He can't even take a player on ๐๐
Zocairsz
0
Hahahaa if he wasnt from england they would hv said he often passes the ball backwards,, the article just wants to make grealish look good by saying he checks back to recycle possession. What a joke english media is with their english players while they are all busy calling antonyโs skill a joke
Zowdinoyz
0
grealish is just not good enough for team like city. he is a lower team player who can even run
noyadlstz
2
Sterling was very good at doing those runs in behind and getting penalty for City
dasemorz
0
Sancho is typing ๐
๐๐๐u are right bro but Sancho perform better this time
tampumi
2
City should sell him for 20 million.. He cant dribble past any1 nd plays backwards.. He shd gt another chance on other team myb he doesnt fit the style of play.. Hes so useless
boeeikprst
0
Grealish,Jones, Chamberlain and Maguire should play in the same team and in this case I will a big fan of that team ๐๐๐คฃ๐คฃ
Hiecdlntyz
1
grealish is a winger but yoh his starts matches the one of a diffender
SonOfPep
2
Have we even cried for Grealish? Really?
norrike
0
still not worth the price tag. english media just
Sancho is typing ๐
micarger
1
English media trying to cover their clown's shortcomings
soldierzway
2
No one has been crying for Grealish
Jiwabeptz
0
weakling
Footballislife0811
0
still not worth the price tag. english media just
Donโt even say price bro, heโs not worth to play for that city team so fucking average.๐คฆโโ๏ธ
INNOCENTRAPIST
0
Did I watch another match? What did he do in that match ? โฆEnglish good at hyping
So good[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Jusgradave
2
Did I watch another match? What did he do in that match ? โฆEnglish good at hyping
ryank
6
kibedirashad
2
still not worth the price tag. english media just