Man City player ratings vs Leicester: Haaland gets 5/10 despite goal with three poor

Erling Haaland scored in an otherwise underwhelming performance (Image: Getty)

Savinho and Erling Haaland scored in either half to earn Manchester City a first Premier League win in five matches. But this 2-0 victory over struggling Leicester was not as convincing as the scoreline might suggest.

City were forced to deal with mounting pressure from their hosts before showing their quality with two fine goals. Savinho converted midway through the first half before he crossed for Haaland to head home. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will not have watched on with any concern that Pep Guardiola's side are back to their best.

Stefan Ortega, Phil Foden and Haaland were among the stars who struggled at the King Power Stadium. Here are Express Sport's player ratings.

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Stefan Ortega - 4

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Ortega was extremely fortunate that Jamie Vardy had strayed offside before he wiped out the Leicester striker in the penalty area. His decision-making seemed slow in several other moments.

Rico Lewis - 6

Academy graduate Lewis has been one of the few highlights during City’s poor run. His poise, movement and passing ability make the 20-year-old an important asset to Guardiola.

Manuel Akanji - 6

Akanji cleared off the line amid a flurry of Leicester chances during the second half. The Swiss star just seems a level below what City need at centre-back at the moment.

Nathan Ake - 5

Similar to Akanji, Ake enjoyed some positive defensive moments. However, he was withdrawn midway through the second half as Guardiola sought to change the shape to make City more solid.

Josko Gvardiol - 6

City dealt with severe pressure from Leicester and their forwards have their defenders to thank for weathering the storm.

Stefan Ortega was fortunate that Jamie Vardy was offside in this first-half incident (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Mateo Kovacic - 6

Kovacic protected his back four well and is unfortunate that he is replacing the best defensive midfielder in the world. This was a solid enough display.

Bernardo Silva - 6

Silva floated around in midfield with relative success. However, moving the Portugal international to the right and having Foden centrally might solve a few of City's problems.

Kevin De Bruyne - 7

City are so much better when De Bruyne is at full speed. Unfortunately, those days are a rarity these days as he struggles to return to full fitness following a sports hernia. The Belgian was still City’s best player and was the likeliest to create chances for Erling Haaland.

Phil Foden - 4

City need much more from Foden but Guardiola must also take some of the blame for the England star’s below-par season. Isolated on the right, the 24-year-old looked worn out and needs to play centrally to have an impact on games. Foden was taken off just after the hour mark.

Savinho - 7

A first Premier League goal for Savinho earned City their first win in five games. But that he was the club's only significant summer signing has left them in a hugely difficult situation. A goal and assist will provide a platform for the Brazilian to improve, but his performances are not exactly on the same level as City's world-class wingers of the late 2010s and early 2020s. In a way, he typifies the club's regression.

Erling Haaland - 4

Guardiola clearly asked Haaland to be more involved when City have possession but that does not come naturally to the Norwegian. His late headed does not really cover over another hugely underwhelming performance which should concern his manager.

Substitutes

James McAtee - 7 (for Foden, '66)

McAtee replaced Foden and, worryingly for the more experienced star, the 22-year-old had much more of an impact on the game. His clever turn away from Victor Kristiansen and a speculative curling effort were key highlights of his cameo. One suspects McAtee believes he can win Foden's place.

Kyle Walker - 6 (for Ake, '70)

Walker still has plenty to contribute at City. He helped his side maintain a confidence-boosting clean sheet.