Manchester City climbed to the top of the Premier League after Kevin de Bruyne world-class free-kick ended Leicester City’s stubborn resistance at the King Power Stadium this afternoon.
The Citizens were given a huge blow before kickoff as goal machine Erling Braut Haaland was not selected to the matchday squad owing to a minor foot injury.
However, an exceptional performance from Kevin De Bruyne was enough to propel the reigning Premier League champions above Leicester and above Arsenal, who face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Leicester’s three-game undefeated streak came to an end, as they currently sit 17th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.
Pep Guardiola made seven changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Borussia Dortmund in midweek, with Julian Alvarez starting in place of Haaland.
City dominated the first half, but they were frustrated by Leicester’s strong back-five and unable to produce many clear-cut chances.
After an unremarkable first 45 minutes, the game sprung into life after the break, with the visitors taking the lead in the 49th minute thanks to a stunning 30-yard free kick from De Bruyne.
King Kev clutches it at the King Power! 👑
🦊 0-1 🐝 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/FzOlH0JKBX
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 29, 2022
De Bruyne’s stunning set-piece strike is Man City’s first Premier League goal from a free kick since Raheem Sterling curled one in at home against Crystal Palace in January 2021.
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Man City had failed to score in each of their previous three away games in all competitions before to their visit to the King Power Stadium, but even without Haaland, Guardiola’s team managed to earn their ninth Premier League victory of the season.
City will now focus on Wednesday’s Champions League match against Sevilla at home before hosting Fulham to the Etihad Stadium for their next Premier League match on November 5.
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