Manchester City have, at least temporarily, moved up to first place in the Premier League after securing a 1-0 win over Leicester City.
Man City traveled to the King Power Stadium to take on the Foxes in their latest fixture in the English top flight. They were without Erling Haaland, who was left out of the squad after suffering a knock during their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund earlier this week.
After a goalless first half, Man City took the lead in the 49th minute of the match, courtesy of a spectacular goal from the specular Kevin de Bruyne.
Nampalys Mendy, on as a substitute in the second half, brought down Jack Grealish in a dangerous position, and the referee awarded the visitors a free-kick. De Bruyne stepped up to take the kick, and his effort went in off the post to give Man City the lead.
Manchester City vs Leicester City: What do the stats say?
The defending Premier League champions, as you would expect, dominated possession against Leicester City. Man City had 65% of the possession against the Foxes.
Man City also registered 15 shots, with five of those on target. Leicester City, meanwhile, made 10 shots with five of those on target.
Man City also won 10 corners in the game, seven more than what Leicester had managed. But they could not convert from any of those set pieces.
However, their goal eventually came from a set-piece, with De Bruyne’s brilliant strike from the free-kick proving to be the winner.
What does this result mean in the context of the Premier League title race?
The victory over Leicester City takes Man City to the top of the Premier League points table, at least temporarily.
Pep Guardiola’s men have 29 points from 12 matches in the English top flight so far this season. The Cityzens have registered nine wins, two draws, and a win in the Premier League so far in the 22/23 season.
Man City, though, have played a game more than second-placed Arsenal. The Gunners have 28 points from 11 matches, a game less than Man City have played. Arsenal host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a Premier League fixture. The north London outfit will reclaim the top spot if they win that game.
