Jack Grealish ended a 16-month goalscoring drought in the Premier League as Manchester City eased past Leicester City with a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
The hosts utterly dominated the first 45 minutes, effectively turning the match into an attack-versus-defence scenario as Leicester managed just one off-target shot, and the Cityzens were rewarded for their relentless pressure with a first-minute goal from Grealish before Omar Marmoush doubled the lead, giving them a commanding advantage at the break.
Manchester City eased off their attacking intensity in the second half but remained in full command, dominating possession with 81% in the final 45 minutes, and the Cityzens cruised to a straightforward victory as the clock ticked toward Darren England's eventual final whistle.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Manchester City were in complete control from, quite literally, the very first minute of tonight's clash, with Pep Guardiola's side clearly superior despite never needing to shift out of second gear.
Grealish's early goal - Man City's fastest in the Premier League this term - allowed the hosts to set the tempo, and Leicester were barely able to get out of their own half for the following 90 minutes.
Such was their confidence and comfort that the game often resembled the tempo of a pre-season match, with City patiently circulating the ball around the Leicester area as they waited for any openings.
As for the Foxes, another goalless outing extends their drought to seven consecutive Premier League matches, a run that sums up their season - toothless and largely incapable of troubling the league's established sides.
It may still be mathematically possible for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side to avoid the drop, but the writing appears to be on the wall for Leicester, with relegation looking increasingly inevitable.
MANCHESTER CITY VS. LEICESTER CITY HIGHLIGHTS
2nd min: Manchester City 1-0 Leicester City (Jack Grealish)
© Imago
Well that did not take long, Grealish fires Man City ahead!
Jeremy Doku shows great strength to push Wilfried Ndidi off the ball in the middle of the park, and the Belgian springs forward and plays a pass to Savinho inside the box.
Savinho skilfully cuts back onto his left foot and picks out Grealish on the penalty spot, and the Englishman makes no mistakes with his finish, placing into the bottom left corner.
29th min: Manchester City 2-0 Leicester City (Omar Marmoush)
© Imago
Who needs Erling Haaland? Marmoush makes it two!
Manchester City are typically working the ball around the Leicester box as they search for an opening, and Ruben Dias eventually looks to clip a cross into the box.
Mads Hermansen seems set for a routine catch, but he astonishingly spills the ball at Marmoush's feet, allowing the striker to slot it into the empty net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - SAVINHO
© Imago
The entirety of the Manchester City team looked a couple of steps above the level of the Leicester side today, but Savinho was the star of the show for the victors.
The Brazilian brilliantly assisted Grealish's goal, with a skilful turn proceeding a pinpoint cutback, while the winger made another five key passes throughout the match.
Marmoush also produced a shining performance for the Cityzens, stepping up in Haaland's absence to score Man City's second and secure the win for the hosts.
MANCHESTER CITY VS. LEICESTER CITY MATCH STATS
Possession: Manchester City 73%-27% Leicester City
Shots: Manchester City 18-1 Leicester City
Shots on target: Manchester City 5-0 Leicester City
Corners: Manchester City 5-0 Leicester City
Fouls: Manchester City 11-8 Leicester City
BEST STATS
Jack Grealish has scored in the Premier League for the first time since the 16th December 2023 against Crystal Palace.
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 2, 2025
He's finally on the scoresheet again. 🙌#MCILEI pic.twitter.com/yksepo4v2z
League assists since start of last season:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) April 2, 2025
18 — Savinho
17 — Cole Palmer
17 — Raphinha pic.twitter.com/Xto63jFYRG
All five of Omar Marmoush's Premier League goals this season have come at the Etihad.
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 2, 2025
He's the fourth different Man City player to score each of his first five PL goals at home after Paulo Wanchope, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden. ⚽️#MCILEI pic.twitter.com/GoEXXHOCVa
WHAT NEXT?
Manchester City will now prepare for a pivotal clash against rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, while the Cityzens will also have one eye on their upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals at the end of April.
As for Leicester City, the Foxes have just eight matches remaining to fight for their survival in the Premier League this season, including key clashes against Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town.
Ellis Stevens
