Football Features

Man City 1-0 Leicester: Full player ratings as captain Kompany delivers for Guardiola

By William Eldridge

Published: 22:09, 6 May 2019

A stunning strike from Manchester City centre-back Vincent Kompany secured his side a 1-0 victory over Leicester City, keeping the Premier League title in their hands.

Both teams started brightly with the Foxes proving that they were not at the Etihad simply to make up the numbers. Sergio Aguero had the clearest chance but Leicester looked extremely influential in possession.

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With the score level at half-time, City fans were nervous, Liverpool fans were continuing to pray to the football gods while Leicester were ecstatic with their work so far.

No-one could guess what would happen next. City captain Vincent Kompany picked the ball up from distance and rifled a shot into the top corner of the Leicester goal to put the Citizens 1-0 up. That goal knocked the stuffing out of the visitors who couldn’t find a way back.

This victory means that a win away to Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend will secure Pep Guardiola’s team their second successive Premier League title. It leaves Brenden Rodgers’ Leicester in ninth, two points off Everton.

Here are the player ratings from Manchester City’s 1-0 victory against Leicester City.

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Manchester City

Ederson – 6 – The Brazilian has been a mere spectator for the majority of the campaign but has produced classy performances when called upon. A quiet one for him tonight, with Leicester getting limited chances to strike on target and City eventually taking control.

Kyle Walker – 6 – Provided his usual pace up and down the right side but his end product wasn’t always consistent. Like his teammates, he got better as the fixture developed.

Vincent Kompany – 9 – WHAT A GOAL!!! What a strike from City’s favourite son! Where did that come from? Picking the ball up from 35 yards out, he struck the ball with such venom, such power, beyond the reach of Schmeichel and into the top corner. City’s 100th home goal in all competitions. WOW. A goal worthy of winning the Premier League title. There are no words. His defensive efforts for maintaining Jamie Vardy didn’t go unnoticed either.

Aymeric Laporte – 7 – Held the line well with Kompany and communicated well with Ederson to deal with most balls into the box. Did the small but important stuff. Nabbed an assist.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6 – The 22-year-old is a fantastic up-and-coming star but he struggled somewhat against Ricardo Pereira and Marc Albrighton. Not as confident as previous fixtures but still produced a decent performance. He did leave Kelechi Iheanacho with too much space for a late chance but was thankful he missed.

David Silva – 6 – Booked for a lunge on Tielemans, Silva wasn’t highly influential in the opening stages. Was perhaps lucky not to pick up a second booking for a number of later fouls. Grew into the game as City took control, providing some accurate passes.

İlkay Gündoğan – 6 – Found out almost immediately that he would have to work really hard to get any joy out of Leicester’s midfielders. Snatched a shot before half-time that went tamely wide. Had another effort in the second that sailed past the left post.

Phil Foden – 6 – The youngster found space in the early moments leading to City’s first chance but it was hit straight at Schmeichel. His play was limited and he was subbed after 55 minutes.

Bernardo Silva – 7 – Started bright, showing some decent touches on the ball with the intent to come inside from the right flank. Looked most likely to produce the goods for City.

Raheem Sterling – 7 – Occupying the left side, Sterling’s pace was matched by Ricardo Pereira but he still managed to find the odd opportunity to get the ball in the Foxes’ box.

Sergio Aguero – 6 – Extremely quiet for the opening 30 minutes, Aguero almost headed his side in front just after to prove that you can never chance it with the Argentine on the pitch. A mistake from Evans saw the ball get through to the striker but he couldn’t put it past the Foxes’ ‘keeper. No goal but played his role. Subbed.

Substitutions

Leroy Sane – 6 – Brought on to inject a spark into City’s performance, the German international seemed to cause Pep Guardiola lots of stress on the touchline. Did ok in the end.

Gabriel Jesus – 6 – On with little time remaining, he ran down the clock well.

Leicester City

Kasper Schmeichel – 7 – In truth, the Danish international had little to worry about in the first half, although he did make a great save to prevent Aguero netting with his head. He also showcased some fine passing ability, picking out passes that kick-started Leicester attacks. Pulled off a quick-save to prevent Aguero once again from close range. Could do nothing about Kompany’s wonder-strike.

Ricardo Pereira – 7 – Both adventurous and disciplined on the right channel, Ricardo often found himself pushing forward and testing Zinchenko.

Jonny Evans – 7 – The former Manchester United centre-back made the odd early error but soon grew into the match.

Harry Maguire – 8 – Like Evans, Maguire is used to possessional play along the back four and to his credit the England man did well to remain cool and pick out teammates further afield. Produced an amazing run forward, showing great composure. Booked for dissent.

Ben Chilwell – 7 – Calm under pressure from Bernardo Silva, the English left-back refused to panic in tight situations and rarely gave the ball away.

Wilfred Ndidi – 8 – The majority of Leicester’s opening exchanges seemed to go through the defensive midfielder who is a valued anchor in Rodgers’ side. Unlucky to be on the losing side this evening.

Hamza Choudhury – 7 – The big-haired midfield-maestro looks so calm with and without possession, often available as an escape route for Leicester’s defenders. His ability off the ball frustrated City while supporting his own side.

Marc Albrighton – 7 – Providing energy for the Leicester line-up, Albrighton made himself available and constantly tried to beat a man to aid the Leicester attack.

Youri Tielemans – 7 – The AS Monaco loanee’s presence allows the likes of Maddison and Vardy the opportunity to find more space. Off early in the second half for Harvey Barnes.

James Maddison – 8 – He is such a talent. Produced a wonderful bit of individual skill to escape several City markers, emphasising his evolving talents in the Premier League. Tricky on the ball, Maddison drew several fouls from several City pros. Came close to putting his side in the lead with a curling long-range strike. Subbed.

Jamie Vardy – 7 – In the hunt for his 32nd goal against the ‘big six’ clubs since Leicester’s promotion, Vardy started the game off quietly, unable to latch onto any balls over the City defence. Did well to hold the ball up, coming deep and bringing the likes of Maddison into the game. Couldn’t find space for a clear opportunity.

Substitutions

Harvey Barnes – 6 – A decent threat on the left, Barnes didn’t do too much to affect proceedings.

Kelechi Iheanacho – 5 – On with 10 minutes to play against his former side, the striker missed a glorious opportunity to make his side regret selling him but he put it wide. A big, BIG miss. Liverpool fans will not be happy with this man.

Demarai Gray – 6 – N/A