Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City: 3 talking points | Premier League 2019-20

Pep Guardiola's men followed up their impressive performance at the Emirates with a resounding victory over second-placed Leicester City. Capturing all 3 points in this important clash between two of the top teams in England, the Cityzens now sit one point behind their vanquished foe, and 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool (who have a game in hand).

The game started very well with some end-to-end football. Both the teams had chances to score, but it was the in-form man Jamie Vardy who gave the Foxes the lead with a brilliant forward run that ended with a chip over Ederson. The home team, however, kept on attacking and found their way back through former fox Riyad Mahrez, and then a penalty by Ilkay Gundogan gave them the lead before half time.

All 3 points were assured in the 69th minute when Gabriel Jesus tapped into an empty net following a lovely low cross from Kevin De Bruyne. Here are the main talking points in an exciting game which had some brilliant football.

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#3 Riyad Mahrez haunts his old team

The former Fox scored a great goal as he tormented his old team

Riyad Mahrez was arguably Leicester's best player in their 2015-16 season when they miraculously captured the Premier League title. Tonight, he showed the world glimpses of his old self, when he used to tear up the league defences every week.

After the visitors had taken the lead, the Algerian international took matters into his own hands as he glided past a sturdy Leicester defence and shot the ball into the back of the net. The winger got lucky as his shot deflected off of defender Caglar Soyuncu, but the play behind the goal was super from Mahrez.

Even otherwise, the player was brilliant as he had four shots on target and made four key passes during the game. He could have had a brace if not for Kasper Schmeichel's brilliant save, and Mahrez also completed 3 dribbles and over 85% of his passes. Overall, it was a spectacular display by the man who led Leicester to glory nearly four years ago.

#2 Jamie Vardy's party rolls on

Jamie Vardy scored his eleventh goal in his last 9 games

It would be no exaggeration to say that at the moment, only Robert Lewandowski is a better striker in the entire world than Jamie Vardy. The in-form forward scored his eleventh goal in his last 9 Premier League games as he gave his team the early lead in the game. The English international is currently leading the race for the Premier League Golden Boot with 17 goals in 18 appearances.

Vardy made one key pass and had two shots on target as his pace and trickery bothered the Cityzens' defence on a few occasions. The striker finished beautifully over Ederson for his goal, and he could have an assist too, but his brilliant ball into the box was knocked out wide by Harvey Barnes.

The Premier League winner has now scored in eight of his last nine league games, and if Brendan Rodgers' men are going to be a consistent name in this title race, they need their main man to keep delivering. Vardy will be looking to continue his goalscoring streak as Leicester meets leaders Liverpool on Boxing Day.

#1 Manchester City not giving up on the title yet

Pep Guardiola's team is not one to give up easily

There is no doubt that by their standards, Manchester City has had a shaky first half of the season. Despite that, it would be foolish to count the defending champions out of the title race yet, as their recent performances suggest that they are back on track. And in form.

Last season, Pep Guardiola's men went on a 14-game winning streak to secure the title and beat Liverpool by one point. Although they currently trail the Reds by 11 points (Liverpool have a game in hand), City's recent run of form is a sign to the leaders that they should not take the gap for granted. After demolishing Arsenal at the Emirates, Kevin De Bruyne and co. saw off a resilient Leicester with relative ease.

Apart from Liverpool, Leicester has been the best team in the league this season, but Brendan Rodger's men could not stop this City team at their best. The football was free-flowing, the goals were sublime, and the team looks to be back at their best after a defeat in the Manchester Derby a couple of weeks ago. With Sergio Aguero back and defenders, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte expected to return in a month, this could be the time where City pushes into gear and goes on one of those unbeaten runs.

Whether they can catch up on Liverpool, time will tell. However, for now, the defending champions look menacing and in the game.