Man City vs Leicester City
It didn’t take long for Manchester City to assert their authority over Leicester on Saturday.
Raheem Sterling fired the Sky Blues ahead in the third minute. The England forward converted a Kevin De Bruyne cross from close range.
De Bruyne was again the creator for Man City’s second at the start of the second half. Sergio Aguero found the net, after Jamie Vardy had levelled in the first half.
The De Bruyne and Aguero tandem sprung up again as City went 3-1 up.
Riyad Mahrez makes his Leicester return
With Leicester 3-1 down, Claude Puel brought on Riyad Mahrez.
Mahrez’s introduction was significant. The Algerian had been a target for Man City on the final day of the January transfer window.
Leicester held firm, Mahrez didn’t get the move he badly wanted, and he proceeded to steer clear of the club for a few days.
Indeed, after missing several days of training many thought Mahrez would play no part in the Man City match.
Leicester fans send a message to Mahrez
A picture of one Leicester fan holding up a sign for Mahrez spread on social media during the game.
The image showed how fans were willing to forgive Mahrez for going AWOL: they just want to see the club’s best player on the pitch.
This Leicester fan forgives Riyad Mahrez… https://t.co/fStOjvNWoa #MCILEI #LCFC pic.twitter.com/G7XgEw6bth
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 10, 2018
Yet, when Mahrez came off the bench, the Leicester fans made their thoughts crystal clear.
According to reports at the game, the Leicester fans weren’t happy with Mahrez’s return.
Most still expect Mahrez to leave the King Power Stadium at the end of the season.
Will Man City still be interested in him at that point?
Mahrez gets cheered by both sets of fans. Iheanacho got bigger cheer.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 10, 2018
Boos from the Leicester end as Riyad Mahrez comes on. #MCFC fans: ‘Riyad Mahrez, he wants to be blue.’ #LCFC
— Chris Slater (@chrisslaterMEN) February 10, 2018
Strange reception for Mahrez. Couldn't hear the #LCFC fans above the applause from the Man City fans around us.
— Rob Tanner (@RobTannerMerc) February 10, 2018
Also see: Leicester star Jamie Vardy continues incredible record vs top six at Man City.
Riyad Mahrez releases statement regarding future at Leicester City.