Goals from Silva and Milner secure victory
FA Premier League
Wednesday 04 March 2015, 19.45 KO
City: Hart, Sagna, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernando, Toure, Navas, Silva (Lampard 79), Bony (Milner 72), Aguero (Dzeko 86)
Unused: Caballero, Zabaleta, Kompany, Clichy
Goals: Silva (45), Milner (87)
Booked: None
Referee: Robert Madley
Man of the match: Silva
After the disappointment of Sunday's defeat at Anfield, City hosted Leicester at the Etihad Stadium. With Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all in good form, nothing but three points would be enough for Manuel Pellegrini's side, who are looking to cement second place, and if possible, catch Jose Mourinho's high flying Chelsea.
Pellegrini again stuck with his favoured 442 formation, with Wilfried Bony being handed his first start alongside Sergio Aguero. After a poor performance on Sunday, Samir Nasri was dropped for Jesus Navas, and Fernando replaced Feranndinho. In defence Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta were both left on the bench after struggling for form recently, with Martin Demichelis and Bacary Sagna taking their places.
Leicester went into the game bottom of the Premier League, with manager Niger Pearson trying to weather the early Manchester City storm. Wilfried Bony and Jesus Navas both had good efforts kept out as the away side fought and scrambled for every ball. It was looking frustrating for City, until on the stroke of half time David Silva gave the home side the lead. His goal was fortunate, as his original effort was blocked, but the rebound was kind leaving a simple tap in to give Pellegrini's side the lead.
The second half was a better City performance, with Jesus Navas in particular having a good game, working hard to support Sagna and putting some dangerous crosses into the area. Sergio Aguero has also been back to his best in recent weeks, and very nearly gave the home side a two goal lead, lashing a volley just over the crossbar.
Leicester had one or two moments themselves, but just seemed to lack the cutting edge that is required. They were soon made to rue those missed opportunities, when James Milner came off the bench to wrap up all three points for the Blues. The English midfielder expertly guided home Jesus Navas' cross three minute's from time.
It was an efficient, if uninspiring, win for Manuel Pellegrini's side, who now have a week off due to FA Cup action. One suspects there is plenty of work to be done on the training pitch in that time.