Player Ratings: Grealish and Marmoush Fire City Past Leicester in Comfortable Win | OneFootball

Manchester City Ease Past Leicester as Premier League Campaign Resumes with Poise

Comfortable Night at the Etihad

Manchester City returned to Premier League action with precision and professionalism, securing a 2-0 win over Leicester City on a mild Wednesday evening at the Etihad. A match short on jeopardy but full of control saw Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush find the net in a dominant first-half performance that left little for City’s defence to do.

The result keeps City fourth in the Premier League standings, but more importantly, it reaffirmed their rhythm following the international break and a demanding FA Cup tie at Bournemouth just days earlier. Pep Guardiola’s men were never troubled—Leicester rarely advanced beyond the halfway line with intent—and the home side managed the game with a cold authority.

Grealish Sharp, Marmoush Ruthless

For Grealish, the early strike was a welcome return to the scoresheet. Often tasked with creating space for others, his finish here was instinctive—a reminder of his threat when allowed freedom in advanced positions. Marmoush’s contribution, meanwhile, underlined the strength of Guardiola’s rotational options. Intelligent movement, quick control, and a composed finish gave City a two-goal cushion they never looked like relinquishing.

Photo: IMAGO

Behind them, Ilkay Gundogan dictated tempo and range, while Savinho stretched play with flair and energy. Even in second gear, City oozed control.

Leicester Struggle to Respond

For Leicester City, the scoreline flattered. Despite some decent individual moments, particularly from Boubakary Soumare, there was little cohesion. Their back three were overrun early, with Jamie Vardy isolated and visibly frustrated. The midfield was compact but offered little in transition, and their few forays forward rarely ended in purpose.

The result leaves them still mired in trouble—Championship-bound, and looking increasingly like a side in need of a full reset. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has difficult questions to answer, not just about form, but about identity and direction.

City Show Depth and Discipline

Guardiola made full use of his bench late on, with the likes of James McAtee and Oscar Bobb given minutes, while Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden remained unused—a statement of both confidence and squad depth.

This wasn’t a night for fireworks, but for structure. City did what title challengers must in moments like this: win cleanly, efficiently, and without fuss.

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Manchester City

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