Match Report: Leicester City 0-1 Manchester City

Manchester City got their first road win of the Premier League season Saturday. The Blues took down Leicester City one goal to nil at King Power Stadium, flipping the score from their Community Shield loss to Leicester at Wembley in August. City showed no rust from the international break, and were able to hold off a late push from the foxes who played perhaps their best match of the season despite the defeat.

Unsurprisingly, City held the possession advantage throughout the match, with Leicester preferring to play for the counter attack. The Foxes were always dangerous and quick to turn aggressor whenever they did dispossess the Sky Blues. Pep Guardiola’s defense felt the pressure and were forced to make big plays on several occasions. Rodri (28’) and Aymeric LaPorte (38’) each received first-half yellow cards for their efforts.

City had several good chances in the first 45 minutes, but were stymied by a Leicester defence that blocked several Man City shots from within the Penalty area. Ferran Torres started at striker once again for Pep’s side. He had some nice chances but could not find a way past Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel.

Leicester came out of the dressing room for the second half on the front foot. They looked even more dangerous on the counter attack and had more of the possession through the first 15 minutes of the restart. In the 49th minute, Jamie Vardy looked to have put the Foxes in front, but the assistant's flag went up for offside just as his shot settled into the back of Ederson’s net. That chance came just moment’s after a Vardy cross had found Harvey Barnes moving toward the 6 yard box for a header that would strike the crossbar and go over for a goal kick.

City settled into the action after the opening flurry, and were soon back hunting for a goal of their own. Bernardo Silva had a lovely day linking up with Jack Grealish along the left hand side, and in the 62nd minute he put the Blues in front. Grealish, operating near the byline, found João Cancelo just outside the penalty area. Cancelo’s strike was blocked by Caglar Söyüncü, but bounced to the feet of Silva who banged it home from the box.

LCFC brought on Ademola Lookout and former City man Kelechi Iheanacho in the 73rd minute, and each made an immediate impact. The Foxes got several good chances down the stretch and forced Ederson to make some difficult saves to preserve the victory.

In the end City survived to claim all three points, and will finish the weekend just one point from going top of the table. The Foxes proved a far tougher test than either Norwich City or Arsenal were so far this year. But it was a test that Pep’ lads were able to pass.

Next up for City is a Champions League group stage match against RB Leipzig at the Etihad on Wednesday. Don’t forget to follow @bitterandblue1 on twitter as we get you ready for all the action.