Goals at the end of each half from David Silva and James Milner helped Manchester City to a flattering 2-0 win over Leicester City at Eastlands this evening.
The Spaniard tapped the hosts ahead on 45 minutes in a crushing blow for Leicester, who defended admirably throughout the first half.
The champions continued to toil in the final third after the break but found an all-important second through Milner in the dying stages.
Here, Sports Mole analyses how the game was won at the Etihad.
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Match statistics
MANCHESTER CITY
Shots: 22
On target: 9
Possession: 68%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 3
LEICESTER CITY
Shots: 6
On target: 2
Possession: 32%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
While it's hard to argue that the champions did not deserve their win, it is also difficult to argue that Leicester are not unlucky to leave the Etihad without at least a point because the game could have been so much different had key decisions gone their way.
The visitors had strong cases for a penalty rejected on two occasions, while Riyad Mahrez also hit the post when the game was at 1-0. The outcome just might have been different had lady luck shone on them tonight.
Man City's performance
It was not a performance typically associated with defending champions, but Man City got the job done. They did not look a team capable of bridging the five-point gap to leaders Chelsea with a relatively lethargic performance against the relegation-threatened Foxes.
Lining up in a 4-4-2 system, Manuel Pellegrini's side produced a disjointed first-half display that spawned only one goalscoring opportunity, with Sergio Aguero and debutant Wilfried Bony failing to click in the final third. But just when it looked like Leicester were battling their way to a half-time draw, Silva popped up and stroked home the opening goal a matter of seconds before the whistle as the Citizens' patience paid off.
The hosts became marginally more fluent in the final third following the interval, with the exceptional Mark Schwarzer keeping out Aguero, Bony and Yaya Toure. They also rode their luck, as referee Bobby Madely made a number of questionable decisions to deny Leicester two penalties, while Mahrez also struck the post. Milner sealed the victory in the closing stages to seal a victory that does not inspire confidence that they can overhaul Chelsea in the race for the title.
Leicester's performance
By virtue of the fact that they sit bottom of the Premier League, Leicester travelled to the home of the champions with very little expected of them tonight. However, Nigel Pearson's side defied their underdog label for much of the first half and did not deserve to be trailing at the break.
Leicester defended deep and brilliantly to repel each and every one of the Sky Blues' attacks as the hosts grew increasingly frustrated. The visitors looked menacing at the other end, too, as one or two counter-attacks caused a bit of anxiety in the Citizens' defence, with Eliaquim Mangala particularly vulnerable.
Understandably, Silva's opener on the stroke of half time was such a cruel blow and they did not look quite as disciplined in defence after the break - though the age-defying Schwarzer managed to keep the scoreline to a minimum with a host of superb saves.
If seeing two strong penalty appeals rejected was not enough, then Mahrez hitting the post summed up Leicester's luck on the night. All in all it was another hard-luck story for Pearson and co, who remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and seven points adrift of safety.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Mark Schwarzer: The 42-year-old Australian rolled back the years with a superb goalkeeping performances that belied his age. This one might have been the cricket score that was in the script if not for Schwarzer's heroics.
Biggest gaffe
It has to be Jeff Schlupp, who cheaply conceded possession which allowed Manchester City to launch the attack that saw them score just seconds before the half-time whistle. The 100-mile trip back to Leicester might feel a little longer for the 22-year-old.
Referee performance
Madely had two major penalty appeals to contend with - and he got both wrong. First, Bony looked to have fouled Jeff Schlupp in the first half, before Kramaric won a free kick right on the edge of the area but replays suggest that the foul occurred inside the box. It was his first time refereeing Manchester City, and Pellegrini will want him every week.
What next?
Man City: With the FA Cup this weekend, the Sky Blues' next outing comes on March 14 when they travel to relegation-threatened Burnley.
Leicester: Pearson's side also have a 10-day break now as they prepare for a crucial six-pointer with Hull City on March 14.
Shane Callaghan
