Leicester City 0-0 Manchester City: 5 talking points

Leicester City and Manchester City cancelled each other out as the two sides played a fascinating goal-less stalemate under the Tuesday night lights at the King Power stadium. Having lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Boxing Day, The Foxes still had a chance to take the pole position with a win over the erratic visitors, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third to finish their chances off.The Citizens, on the other hands, attacked at full pelt but struggled to break down the hosts’ rigid defence and were also denied by Leicester shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel on a few occasions.The spoils were eventually shared, but the biggest winners of the day were Arsenal, who remained at the summit after their victory over Bournemouth a day earlier.Let’s discuss some of the major talking points from the game.

#1 A game packed with end-to-end action, but no goals

Leicester and Man City both failed to convert their chances

Leicester City and Manchester City were not just the two favourites for the Premier League crown but were also the most prolific sides in the league. With 37 goals scored prior to the clash, the two teams had accrued the joint highest number of strikes in the division thus far.

Today, none were able to bring that imperious scoring prowess to the table, but there wasn’t any shortage of high-action, full throttle football either.

Both teams crossed swords evenly as they attacked relentlessly at either ends and kept each other on their toes. Whilst Jamie Vardy spurned two great chances just before the break, City were frustrated by the dexterity of Schmeichel, who did well to deny the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.

The game was evenly poised till the end and the teams deservedly shared the points as it ended honors even.

#2 Sterling rises to the occasion

Sterling was City’s main attacking outlet on Tuesday night

Whilst Sergio Aguero was the most pivotal name on City's team-sheet as the Argentine started for only the second time since his return from injury, it was Raheem Sterling who stole all the limelight with his dazzling show. The English teenager was the most potent threat coming from the visitors and had one of his best nights in City colours.

Sterling linked well with his attacking counterparts David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne and was one of the better players going forward. The former Liverpool man was at the receiving end of a chance or two, and was on target with his effort, denied only by the brilliance of Schmeichel.

For all the boos and jeers aimed at him by the home crowd, Sterling was not to be cowed down by it and instead, answered them on the field with a top-drawer performance.

#3 Schmeichel saves Foxes\' bacon

Schmeichel has been Leicester’s unsung hero so far this season

Leicester City’s fairytale run in the league was largely attributed to their prolific attacking duo of Jamie Vardy and Riyadh Mahrez, who in tandem, ran the whole show up front. However, credit also goes to the unsung hero of the side, Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish custodian has been in a rich vein of form this season and did well to keep the visitors at bay.

Schmeichel kept out attempts from Sterling and De Bruyne early on to set the tone for the rest of the game. The Leicester City shot-stopper held his fort in a good stead amid City’s high-pressing and pulled off some august clearances and interceptions.

Kasper Schmeichel may not have registered enough clean-sheets to be hailed as the best, but is certainly vital to Leicester City’s fortunes just as much.

#4 City\'s away form is a huge concern for Pellegrini

Manchester City have scored just once in six consecutive away games now

With the draw, Manchester City have now gone 6 games without a victory away from home, the worst away record for a team lying in the top half of the table. Moreover, they’ve scored just one goal in the process, and eight overall. The only teams to score fewer than that are Newcastle, Swansea and West Brom.

City’s last away victory came on the 12th of September at Crystal Palace, which was a courtesy a stoppage time goal from Iheanacho. Since then, it has gone downhill for the Citizens, taking a massive toll on their title bid.

Their away form is a huge concern for manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose future in Manchester hangs in the balance. The Chilean gaffer must come up with a panacea for City's away form malaise to get their season back on track, and also, save his job.

#5 Leicester City truly are a \'big team\' now

Leicester have virtually announced themselves as title contenders with their fearless performance against City

If there was any doubts or skepticism over Leicester City's ability to sustain a title challenge, then they should be cleared by now. Let's face it, Leicester City genuinely are one of the title contenders for the season. They’ve been brilliant all this while and will surely continue to be.

The hosts went toe-to-toe with City despite not being at their best and gave the pre-season favourites a run for their money.

The Foxes, this campaign, have worked their socks off as a team, as a cohesive unit. Although Vardy and Mahrez continue to grab all the headlines for their strike partnership, the truth is that Leicester City as a whole, have been brilliant. They are a force to be reckoned with and with new year lurking just around the corner, expect them to spring a few more surprises in the second half of the season.