Grealish ends goal drought as Man City conquers Leicester at Etihad

Manchester City easily beat Leicester 2-0, extending Leicester’s winless streak to seven games at Etihad this night, thanks to Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush’s respective goals.

Leicester hasn’t scored in seven games, close to the Premier League record. This loss was their 14th in 15 games. Man City moved up to fourth place, which puts them in a good spot to qualify for the Champions League. Leicester, on the other hand, is getting closer to being demoted to the Championship.

The game was very one-sided, with City scoring in just two minutes. Jack Grealish scored the goal, ending his 16-month goalless streak. Grealish’s goal was set up by Jeremy Doku, who took the ball away from Leicester. The goal made it clear that Leicester wasn’t going to win.

Omar Marmoush scored their second goal. He shot the ball off the crossbar into the goalpost. Leicester didn’t create many scoring chances and ended the game with a very low xG value.

Many Leicester fans left the game early because it was clear that their team was going to lose. The loss confirmed that Leicester is 12 points behind and in danger of being demoted.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola speaking about Jack Grealish:

“Jack is an incredible human being in terms of gestures. He’s incredibly generous. He scored a goal, made a good game, so it’s good. This is a guy who used to play free, between the lines he’s got the ability to control the ball and play an extra pass. I’m happy for him. It’s not easy when you don’t play regularly.

“We miss chances for the third goal but the rest was really good. Maybe we could have scored more. The experiences we’ve had this season, many times we’ve conceded a goal and then after lost many points.”

Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said after the derby:

“The form we’re in, if you start a game like this, it’s hard in the situation and that makes it extra hard. Away at City you want to have a good start but of course with the turnover in the midfield, and communication between goalkeeper and centre-back for the second goal, you’re 2-0 down. That made it very difficult for us.

“We live in reality. We know the situation points wise. We have a responsibility to keep going and we have no other option but to do that. It’s got to do with personal pride and honour. Also, we have to do the job as good as you can, that is my drive. That’s how I get up every morning. That demands character.

‘We’ve tried different options in different moments, different personnel, overall you can take the conclusion that we struggle to score in any system.

“The most important thing is that I stay at it and evaluate the games and be the best manager I can be with the team in an extremely difficult moment. I expect myself to be the first one to react and keep working.”