BOXING DAY FIRECRACKER: 3️⃣ POINTS FROM MANCHESTER CITY 6-3 LEICESTER CITY

 BOXING DAY FIRECRACKER

-Mihir Mehta

-Editor: Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo via: sportco.io


Leaders Manchester City took on Leicester City in a 9-goal thriller at the Etihad on Boxing Day. City dominated the first half, and they were 4-0 up within the first half hour. The game began to look suspiciously as if it was being played on FIFA instead of on the pitch, when Leicester roared back with 3 goals after a tactical switch from Brendan Rodgers after the introduction of Timothy Castagne in the space of 10 minutes. The last thing you want to do in that situation is concede a sloppy goal from a corner, with Aymeric Laporte heading in. Raheem Sterling tapped in from four yards out after yet another corner, sealing the game once and for all. 

1. Striker? What striker? City’s lack of a true number nine was one of the main talking points at the start of the season, but it now seems those fears were unfounded. City have scored 50 goals, tied-top for the most goals scored. Their dynamic front line has caused the Premier League all sorts of problems, and nearly every attacker has been in form for the Cityzens. Bernardo Silva has been found in the striker position several times across games, but the Portuguese has sparkled, and with Kevin De Bruyne back to form, opposition defences will be quivering. 

2. The Rise Of The Sterling: Much like the currency, Raheem Sterling’s recent rise to form has been spectacular. Not long ago, he was close to leaving for Barcelona, but following Ferran Torres’ departure, Sterling has taken his opportunity with both hands, cementing his place in the line-up. Sterling had had an absolutely incredible December, now scoring 4 in the last 4 games. His purple patch could not have come at a better time for City, as Pep looks to extend his side’s lead over the other covid-stricken sides.

3. Flaws: With great highs, there were also deep lows for City in the game against Leicester. The Foxes’ 10-minute goal spree nearly laid the stage for an absolutely amazing goal. When City were in possession, there was no doubt they were untouchable, but the Champions looked vulnerable on the counter. There was a lot of space available in the middle of the field, and the absence of Rodri was glaring. If not for Ederson’s alertness and quickness, Leicester would have levelled through a quick freekick.

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