Manchester City 6-3 Leicester City: 5 talking points as goal-fest at Etihad ends in an easy win for hosts | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Leicester show that Manchester City have flaws that can be exploited

Manchester City conceded three goals in 10 minutes against Leicester City

Manchester City's first-half extravaganza was almost undone by Leicester City's second-half resurgence. The Foxes threatened to launch a comeback, scoring three goals in 10 minutes.

Leicester broke away on a quick break as Marc Albrighton picked out James Maddison. He was able to move past Aymeric Laporte with a smart touch and skip past Ruben Dias virtually unchallenged. Dias did not commit to a challenge as was one booking away from missing the game against Brentford.

Maddison picked out Kelechi Iheanacho with a smart pass and a quick one-two followed which resulted in an easy finish for the midfielder. He was at the heart of Leicester's second goal as well.

Manchester City seem to be in cruise control whenever they have possession. But it seems they do not have a solid plan when they are out of possession and struggle against quick-counter attacks from the visitors.

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#2 Manchester City stun Leicester with a clinical attacking display

Manchester City scored 23 Premier League goals in December

Manchester City's game against Leicester City was a game of two halves for the reigning champions. Their strengths and weaknesses were both on display in this game.

They got off to an amazing start to the game as a quick and effective move led to the opening goal in the fifth minute. Fernandinho's chipped pass was perfectly weighted to find Kevin De Bruyne in the box while Bernardo Silva's run allowed the Belgian midfielder to score a beautiful goal. Their incessant attack also forced Leicester to concede two penalties in the first half.

City press very effectively but that drains them of a lot of energy. Also, their possession-based game allows them to keep their opponent out of the game. The pressing helped them score two goals in the second half to record a memorable Boxing Day win.

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#1 Absence of key player felt by both sides

Manchester City and Leicester City had some notable absentees for the game

Manchester City and Leicester City played out an absolute thriller of a game on Sunday. Nine goals were scored, four in the first half and five in the second. So it is easy to forget that Leicester City were virtually without their first-choice back four against the rampant hosts.

Manchester City made the most of the makeshift defenders they faced here. With Marc Albrighton at right-back and Daniel Amartey playing at center-back, Leicester were unable to handle the force with which the hosts attacked.

City were without Rodri and they looked vulnerable in the middle of the pitch without the defensive midfielder. Leicester breezed through the middle for their first two goals.