Kevin de Bruyne’s superb free kick at the King Power Stadium ended Leicester City’s tenacious fight, propelling Manchester City to the top of the Premier League.
Prior to De Bruyne’s spectacular strike into the top corner from 25 yards four minutes after halftime, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers’ players had clearly been set up to contain the defending champions.
Even though they were without the decisive touch of the absent Erling Haaland, who was dealing with a fever and a foot ailment, City’s dominance was rewarded by De Bruyne’s goal.
Leicester almost broke out of their defensive shell when Youri Tielemans struck a volley from a corner that was turned on to the bar by Manchester City keeper Ederson but ultimately they did not have enough attacking intent or quality to test Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arsenal can return to the top of the table with victory against Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on Sunday but for now Manchester City are back in the position that has become such familiar territory in recent years.
