Leicester City 0-2 Manchester City: Cityzens Player Ratings as they end winless run with comfortable outing | Premier League 2024-25

Manchester City returned to winning ways with an easy 2-0 win over relegation candidates Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday, December 29.

The hosts welcomed the return of Jamie Vardy from injury as he replaced Patson Daka. Facundo Buonanotte also came back into the lineup, replacing the suspended Jordan Ayew.

Pep Guardiola's side were coming off a hard-fought draw against Everton. They made just a single change, with Kevin De Bruyne coming in for Jeremy Doku.

Manchester City dominated in the early period and it paid off as they took the lead in the 21st minute. A speculative effort from Phil Foden forced a parry from the Leicester goalkeeper and Savinho was at hand to knock in his first goal for the club in the Premier League.

Leicester looked a little more threatening in the second period and were able to create some chances but Erling Haaland put the result to bed in the 74th minute. Savinho turned provider this time, putting in a great cross for the Norwegian to head home powerfully.

The result sees Manchester City jump into fifth place for the time being, with the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa yet to play. Here are the player ratings:

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Manchester City Player Ratings

Stefan Ortega - 6.5/10

An assured presence at the back, Ortega pulled off three saves in all and looked composed in distribution as well.

Manuel Akanji - 7/10

Akanji had a solid performance throughout the game. He was in the right place at the right time to clear an effort off the line when the score was 1-0.

Nathan Ake - 7/10

Another strong performance from the Dutchman who seemingly is not at 100 percent fitness. After dealing with the physicality of Dominic Calvert-Lewin midweek, he battled the speed of Jamie Vardy and was efficient in denying Leicester chances overall.

Josko Gvardiol - 6/10

A nervy outing from the Croatian at times including a back pass in the first half that forced Ortega into action.

Rico Lewis - 6.5/10

Lewis stepped into midfield to offer an extra presence and was solid both on and off the ball.

Mateo Kovacic - 6.5/10

Kovacic continues to be a key presence in the base of midfield for Manchester City in Rodri's absence. His ball-carrying and passing were great but questions still remain over his defensive abilities, which could lead the side to pursue options in January.

Phil Foden - 5.5/10

Foden played in a wider role than usual but continued to struggle to make an impact. With just one goal in the league this season, the attacker will be desperate to find form soon.

Bernardo Silva - 6.5/10

The Portuguese midfielder saw a lot of the ball and linked up well with his teammates.

Kevin De Bruyne - 7/10

De Bruyne showed why he is regarded as a creative force, displaying his talents all across the field. He played a role in both the goals, finishing with eight passes into the final third, one chance created and one accurate long ball.

Savinho - 7.5/10

He was not a regular threat throughout the fixture but he conjured two moments of great skill to score the opener and set up the second. He will be delighted to score his first league goal.

Erling Haaland - 7/10

Similar to Savinho, he was largely quiet for most of the fixture but stepped up in a moment of quality with a powerful header for Manchester City's second and his 14th of the league campaign.

Substitutes

James McAtee - 7/10

A breath of fresh air into the Manchester City lineup, McAtee provided the energy and quality that the side have seemed to be missing in recent times.

Kyle Walker - 6/10

Came on for Ake and helped close the game out.