Manchester City Player Ratings vs Leicester City: Savinho Shines, De Bruyne Dominates, and Haaland Finds Form

Manchester City ended 2024 on a high note with a much-needed 2-0 win over Leicester City. Goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland ended the winless streak of the Premier League champions and gave them much-needed confidence after a torrid spell.

The match indeed started with both sides having chances. Kevin De Bruyne found Haaland with a precise cut-back as the Norwegian’s effort was straight at Jakub Stolarczyk. Down the other end, Stefan Ortega needed to be at his best to deny Jamie Vardy after a misjudged header from Josko Gvardiol.

Pep Guardiola, managing his 500th game for City, watched his side take the lead through a moment of opportunism. Phil Foden’s long-range strike was parried by Stolarczyk, and Savinho capitalized to score his first goal since joining the club in the summer. Leicester pushed back, with Facundo Buonanotte’s header hitting the post late in the first half. The Foxes dominated much of the second period, with Manuel Akanji clearing James Justin’s effort off the line and Vardy missing a close-range volley.

Haaland Seals the Win City’s nerves were finally eased when Haaland rose to meet Savinho’s perfectly floated cross, securing the team’s second win in 14 matches across all competitions.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Stefan Ortega (7/10):
Kept his cool under pressure, most notably with the denial of Vardy after Gvardiol’s errant back-pass. His work ensured City’s first away clean sheet since early October.

Rico Lewis (7/10):
Moved into midfield often, showing good understanding with De Bruyne and Foden. Dealt well with Leicester’s second-half pressure when the Foxes began to push onto him.

Manuel Akanji (6/10):
Struggled at times as Leicester’s attacks flowed through City’s backline but improved as the game wore on. Crucially cleared Justin’s shot off the line.

Nathan Ake (7/10):
Read the game well, catching Vardy offside multiple times and making key defensive interventions. However, he appeared to pick up an injury in the second half.

Josko Gvardiol (5/10):
Mixed display. His sleeping at the back almost gifted Vardy a goal, but going forward, he was always a threat. Must develop more consistency.

Midfield

Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Progressed the ball well in midfield but at times left large pockets open in transition situations. Was tenacious but just lacked the composure that Rodri showed.

Kevin De Bruyne (8/10):
The standout performer, dictating the tempo with incisive passes and intelligent movement. He played a crucial role in the buildup to both goals, reminding all of his world-class quality.

Bernardo Silva, 6/10:
He worked without rest in midfield, creating passing opportunities and helping out on the defensive front. However, he couldn’t provide any decisive impact.

Attack

Phil Foden, 5/10:
Although his shot led to Savinho’s opener and he delivered a few dangerous crosses, his overall influence remains below that of last season.

Erling Haaland (6/10):
Was culpable of missing chances as he fired first time at the keeper and also blew another. Ate his words with a thumping header that sealed the win and afterward cut a refreshed look.

Savinho  (7/10):
Shrugged off initial first-leg jitters to notch his first goal in a City shirt and set Haaland up with an electric cross for his headed winner later on. Not bad an outing for the youngster

Substitutes & Manager

James McAtee(7/10):
Energy and spark upon the pitch after replacing Foden. Quick feet and excellent vision helped create the second, being a bright spark in their sub’s bench.

Kyle Walker (6/10):
Steady in a right flank that saw Ake withdraw to injury, and also handling Leicester’s Mavididi easily enough.

Pep Guardiola (6/10):
While City’s defensive frailties remain a cause for concern, Guardiola is able to celebrate a rare win during a sticky period. The 500th game in charge was a fittingly gritty, if largely unconvincing, display from City.

Key Takeaways for Manchester City Fans

• Savinho’s Breakthrough: First goal and assist for the young talent showed he may be the player of the future.
• Brilliance of De Bruyne: A timely reminder of how important the Belgian star is to this City side.
• Defensive Woes Persist: Although City kept a clean sheet, the defensive lapses are still there to be worked on.

Unsightly it may be, but Manchester City’s victory showed a resilience that was finally rewarded with vital performances from some of their young talent, like Savinho. As 2025 comes into view, this could just be the turning point that Guardiola needs for his team, which has been finding things so tough. Keep updated on Manchester City’s journey on our blog and subscribe for in-depth match analyses and player insights!