On February 6, 2016, Manchester City faced Leicester City in a crucial Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. Leicester City secured a stunning 3-1 victory, solidifying their position at the top of the league and making a significant statement in their unexpected title challenge.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester City: 1 (Sergio Agüero 87′)
- Leicester City: 3 (Robert Huth 3′, 60′, Riyad Mahrez 48′)
- Possession:
- Manchester City had 66% possession, while Leicester City had 34%. Despite City’s dominance in possession, Leicester’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing on the counter-attack were key to their victory.
- Shots:
- Manchester City registered 22 shots, with 4 on target, reflecting their attempts to break down Leicester’s defense, but they struggled to convert their chances. Leicester City had 10 shots, with 6 on target, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester City displayed a high passing accuracy of 84%, completing 588 passes out of 698 attempts. Leicester City had a passing accuracy of 70%, completing 210 passes out of 301 attempts. Leicester’s strategy focused on quick transitions and direct play, making the most of their limited possession.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Leicester City made 28 tackles compared to Manchester City’s 16, highlighting their aggressive approach to disrupting City’s rhythm and regaining possession. Leicester’s defense, marshaled by Robert Huth and Wes Morgan, was resolute and well-organized, limiting City’s clear-cut chances.
- Set Pieces:
- Robert Huth scored Leicester’s first goal from a set piece, capitalizing on a whipped free-kick by Christian Fuchs just three minutes into the game. His second goal, also from a set piece, came from a corner, with Huth rising above the City defense to head home. Riyad Mahrez scored Leicester’s second goal with a brilliant solo effort, beating multiple defenders before finishing emphatically.
- Individual Performances:
- Robert Huth was the standout player for Leicester City, scoring two goals and being a dominant presence in defense. Riyad Mahrez also played a crucial role, scoring a superb goal and causing problems for City’s defense throughout the match. For Manchester City, Sergio Agüero scored a late consolation goal, but it was too little, too late for the home side.
- Tactical Overview:
- Leicester City employed a 4-4-2 formation under Claudio Ranieri, focusing on compact defending and quick counter-attacks. Manchester City used a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield and create chances through their attacking midfielders. However, Leicester’s tactical discipline, combined with their physicality and clinical finishing, proved too much for City to handle.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, all for Manchester City (Pablo Zabaleta 45′, Aleksandar Kolarov 68′, Fernandinho 70′). These fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up Leicester’s counter-attacks and disrupting their momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester City won 7 corners compared to Leicester’s 2, reflecting their territorial advantage. However, Leicester’s defense was well-drilled in dealing with these set pieces. City were caught offside twice, while Leicester had one offside call, indicating their discipline in maintaining their defensive line and timing their runs.
Summary
Leicester City’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was a defining moment in their remarkable 2015-2016 Premier League campaign. The win was a demonstration of Leicester’s tactical discipline, physicality, and efficiency, as they capitalized on set pieces and quick counter-attacks to secure all three points.
Robert Huth’s two goals from set pieces and Riyad Mahrez’s brilliant solo effort were the highlights of the match, while Manchester City struggled to break down Leicester’s resolute defense. Despite dominating possession, City were unable to convert their control into meaningful chances, with Sergio Agüero’s late goal serving only as a consolation.
This victory not only solidified Leicester’s position at the top of the table but also sent a strong message to their title rivals that they were serious contenders. The result is remembered as one of the key moments in Leicester’s fairytale season, which ultimately saw them crowned Premier League champions against all odds.
