LONDON: Pep Guardiola could finally allow himself a brief smile after his stumbling, stuttering Manchester City managed their first win since December 4. City’s manager would have been unhappy with the performance but relieved that the 2-0 victory at Leicester may restore a little self-belief.

Brazilian winger Savinho was the man who made the difference. He scored City’s opening goal after 21 minutes then provided the cross for Erling Haaland to head the second after 74. However City’s underlying problems were evident from the fact that this was their first goal effort of the second half.

Liverpool remain eight points clear of Nottingham Forest at the top of the table, and with a game in hand, after thrashing West Ham 5-0 in East London.

One of the hallmarks of City’s football under Guardiola has always been retention of possession to frustrate opponents and wear them down. But that is history. City no longer tease goals and victories. Thus even struggling Leicester were able to advance regularly down the pitch and create opportunities of their own.

Fortunately for Stefan Ortega Leicester’s finishing did not match their approach play. The champions capitalised when Savinho scored a simple first goal for City after goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk failed to hold a drive from Phil Foden.

Leicester cut through City’s midfield repeatedly in the second half. Veteran Jamie Vardy wasted their best chance and City took advantage on the transition. Substitute James McAtee broke down the right and Savinho found space on the left to cross for a typical Haaland header. Haaland’s 14th league goal was his first in five games and only his fourth in the league since September.

Haaland said: “That was an important goal. We are just happy to win because every game is difficult. We have to stay positive.”

A relieved Guardiola added: “We needed this. It wasn’t the ideal performance but hopefully, for the new year, it will help us bounce back a bit.”

####