Leicester City 0-1 Manchester City: Gabriel Jesus nets late winner after more VAR farce
Manchester City aren’t hiding from the pressure, and not only because of their fizzy yellow and Georgia peach kits.
Already rocked by Uefa’s Champions League ban and Liverpool running away with the Premier League, Pep’s players could have been forgiven for switching off on Saturday night with their biggest game of the week coming up in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid.
But nothing, not even another penalty miss and a couple of VAR controversies, quenched City’s desire, even in a battle for second.
Gabriel Jesus (left) celebrates scoring the winner for Manchester City with former Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez
Heads didn’t even drop when Sergio Aguero took the ball following Dennis Praet’s handball after an hour and had his spot-kick saved by Kasper Schmeichel – their fifth penalty miss from the last seven.
Aguero was taken off by Guardiola after 77 minutes and within three minutes his replacement, Gabriel Jesus, had won his side the game.
A lot of the credit was due to Riyad Mahrez, the former Leicester title winner whose name was booed by Foxes fans who once adored him.
Manchester City striker Jesus slotted the ball past Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the 80th minute of the game
He made a dynamic run from close to the halfway line and released Jesus at just the right moment, the Brazilian coolly converting his 17th goal of the season.
Guardiola has won more important matches in his career but few have given him more pride.
‘You can’t doubt the attitude of these guys. They’ve won seven of the last eight competitions.’ said Guardiola, whose strong line-up suggested he regarded a proper test at the King Power as better preparation for Real Madrid than giving his stars a rest.
Manchester City were awarded a penalty by VAR after Ilkay Gundogan’s cannoned off the arm of Leicester’s Dennis Praet
Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel kept out Sergio Aguero’s spot kick just after the hour mark on Saturday night
Manchester City’s miserable form from the penalty spot continued as Sergio Aguero had one saved by Kasper Schmeichel
‘Leicester are an incredible good team. How quick they are with Vardy and Kelechi up front. But we showed our personality, even when we missed a penalty.’
Leicester-Manchester City games are usually full of quality and high on drama.
Guardiola’s first visit to the King Power ended in a 4-2 defeat and the infamous statement: ‘I’m not a coach for the tackles’. Last season, Vincent Kompany’s winner at The Etihad was decisive in the title race.
This one didn’t disappoint either from the moment Jamie Vardy sped clear early on and smacked his shot against the post.
Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho was left in a heap after being clattered by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson
Fernandinho checks on Leicester striker Iheanacho after he was punched by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson
Approaching half-time, Ederson came out to challenge Iheanacho in the air, may have touched the ball but definitely connected with the striker’s head, leaving him groggy and unable to continue after half-time.
VAR looked but didn’t give a penalty – the same Stockley Park official David Coote who had earlier in the day erred by failing to send off Tottenham’s Giovanni Lo Celso.
It was the second escape by technology for Manchester, Kevin de Bruyne earlier blocking James Maddison’s free-kick with his hands, VAR deciding the Belgian was protecting his face.
James Maddison’s free kick was deflected by Kevin de Bruyne’s hand but Leicester were not awarded a penalty
The incident was reviewed by VAR but official David Coote did not think that his hands were in an unnatural position
The decision took on new significance when Leicester’s Dennis Praet WAS penalised for having his arm out in an unnatural position as he blocked Ilkay Gundogan’s shot.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was fuming at the inconistency in the two decisions.
‘Their penalty was a penalty – Dennis’ arm was out. But it was a clear penalty to us as well, Kevin’s arm was up at the end of the wall. He saw the flight of the ball and Maddison’s free-kick was on target’ he said.
Man City striker Sergio Aguero had the ball in the net in the first-half but his effort was correctly ruled out for offside
‘It is absolutely clear. To not get that was hugely disappointing. I think we are all looking for consistency in the game.’
Fortunately for The Foxes, Manchester City can’t take a penalty to save their lives. Jesus (twice), Raheem Sterling and Gundogan have all failed to convert from 12 yards since December and this time it was Aguero whose shot was too close to Schmeichel, the South American’s 13th penalty career miss from 49 attempts.
‘It’s not normal to miss penalties with the quality we have,’ said Guardiola. ‘I have told the players, be convinced you are going to score. Next time.
Manchester City fans hold a banner in protest at UEFA’s decision to ban the club from the Champions League for two years
‘Kevin De Bruyne is one option but they (the players have to decide). I like it when Sergio takes the initiative. I like that mentality.’
Having said that, Guardiola knows he can’t afford to fluff those kind of opportunities against Real. Last season they went out of the Champions League to Spurs after Aguero missed a penalty.
On VAR, the Manchester City boss does accept something needs to be done for consistency.
‘The game against Chelsea, Maguire is not sent off. Then Son is sent off. Why is it? It’s weird. Now Lo Celso is not sent off. Maybe next season they can learn how it works and be better.’
Sergio Aguero had a clear shot on goal from about 10 yards out but he scuffed his effort straight at Kasper Schmeichel
At least, Guardiola goes to Spain with three points in the bag, even if he knows the 19-point gap to Liverpool will not be breached.
The winning goal was a beauty, Mahrez’s lightness of feet, Jesus’ finish. ‘At first I didn’t think he was going to give me the ball,’ admitted the scorer, delighted to save Aguero’s blushes. ‘Sometimes I come on to help the defenders because we are winning but this was a different time. I had to try to score a goal.’
He played down fears that Aymeric Laporte, who went off after an hour feeling his hamstring, could miss the last-16 tie against Real. Raheem Sterling could also be back having missed the last three weeks with a hamstring injury.
‘Raheem is much better. I think he will be ready but honestly I don’t know,’ said Guardiola.
Kevin de Bruyne was involved in City’s early move and Benjamin Mendy lashed a shot which was deflected narrowly wide
Jamie Vardy made a lively start and had an effort which was cleared in front of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson
Leicester City defender Ricardo Pereira (left) challenges Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy for possession
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy came close to breaking the deadlock after he was put though on goal in the eighth minute
Vardy was played in one-on-one and he clipped the ball past goalkeeper Ederson but his effort hit the base of the post
Leicester City midfielder James Maddison takes on Manchester City duo Rodri and Kyle Walker during the first-half
