Magnificent Savinho and Haaland's reinvention: Manchester City player ratings vs Leicester

Pep Guardiola marked his 500th match in charge of Manchester City in style with a hard-fought victory over Leicester City. The reigning champions celebrated their manager's milestone with a 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium.

However, the match was far from straightforward. Despite Leicester's position near the bottom of the Premier League table, the Foxes posed a significant threat under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, seemingly determined to disrupt their Manchester rivals. In the end, it was Leicester's lack of finishing quality that proved decisive.

Best players of the match:

Savinho

It wasn’t just about the goal and assist. While his goal came from a defensive lapse on Leicester’s part, Savinho has recently become City’s main threat on the flanks. His dribbling skills and audacious attacking style offer a dynamic alternative, breaking down stubborn defenses and preventing prolonged possession struggles in the final third.

Playing on the left, a position usually occupied by Jérémy Doku, Savinho has brought consistency where his counterpart had faltered in recent matches. Today’s performance solidified his growing importance to Guardiola’s side.

Erling Haaland

It wasn’t just the goal that stood out for Haaland. Unlike in recent games, the Norwegian was actively involved in the build-up play and showed a willingness to take on defenders and initiate counterattacks. He registered six shots, three on target—far more than the single attempts seen in his previous matches.

Breaking free from the "target man" role, Haaland’s proactive approach was a refreshing change and crucial to City’s attacking momentum. It highlighted his determination to contribute beyond waiting for service.

James McAtee

While McAtee didn’t play a significant amount of time, his inclusion alone was noteworthy. Guardiola’s rare rotation saw the young midfielder, who had spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, make a confident appearance. McAtee impressed with his composure on the ball, vision, and ability to link play effectively.

His emergence begs the question: how many other talented players in City’s squad are waiting for their chance? McAtee’s performance will surely prompt Guardiola to consider more opportunities for such players.

Honorable mentions:

Manuel Akanji. Akanji was pivotal in City’s defensive efforts, making crucial interventions, including a game-saving clearance that denied Leicester a deserved equalizer. His performance was essential but overshadowed by McAtee’s surprise inclusion and Savinho’s attacking brilliance.

Phil Foden. Interestingly, Foden was deployed as a right winger, a position he hasn’t occupied regularly in recent times. Tasked with a creative role in midfield recently, he struggled to influence the game as much from the flank, but this was more a tactical issue than a reflection on his abilities. City’s attacks focused heavily on the left, leaving Foden somewhat isolated.

Player ratings:

• Manuel Akanji - 8
• Nathan Aké - 7
• Kyle Walker - 6
• Joško Gvardiol - 7
• Kevin De Bruyne - 7
• Mateo Kovačić - 7
• Rico Lewis - 7
• James McAtee - 7
• Stefan Ortega - 8
• Savinho - 9
• Bernardo Silva - 7
• Phil Foden - 6
• Erling Haaland - 8