Manchester City record victory over Leicester City despite Leitzig’s heroics | OneFootball

Khadija Shaw and Chloe Kelly were on target for Manchester City as they defeated Leicester City 2-0 at The King Power Stadium this afternoon.

The Cityzens managed to collect three points despite an exceptional shot-stopping performance from Leicester City goalkeeper Janina Leitzig. The German kept the visitors out for more than an hour before the pressure finally told and Manchester City were able to net their two goals.

The hosts had the first chance of the game when captain Aileen Whelan delivered a perfect cross for Hannah Cain. The forward steered a powerful header towards goal but Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck was able to deny Leicester City an early lead.

Manchester City’s wide players looked the most dangerous going forward, especially Lauren Hemp who constantly drove into the final third and cut into the box before getting shots away, however, there was nothing that severely troubled Leitzig.

The Leicester City keeper was there to deny every shot that came her way in the opening 45 minutes with her most impressive save coming from a close range Shaw effort. Leitzig made her presence known as she spread out her body and denied the Barclays Women’s Super League’s joint-highest goalscorer with her boot.

Despite not having many chances, Leicester City defended well, surrounding the visitors in the box and making it very hard for them to get their shots away.

On the stroke of half-time, Manchester City could’ve taken the lead through Deyna Castellanos who found herself in plenty of space to shoot but much to her frustration, she scuffed her effort and watched the ball go out for a goal kick.

Leitzig was forced into a couple of close range saves early in the second half but she continued to deny the visitors a goal. The Cityzens continued to cause problems as they charged forward and just when Hemp thought that her effort was destined to find the back of the net, Leitzig got a toe to the ball and made yet another superb save.

Manchester City finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through Shaw, the forward steering a powerful header beyond Leitzig and into the back of the net for her 1oth league goal of the season.

Kelly then doubled the visitors’ lead when she advanced in the final third before cleanly striking the ball home.

Leicester City tried to respond and create something on the attack. Cain forced a late save from Roebuck but that was as good as it got for The Foxes as the scoreline remained at 2-0.

The result sees Manchester City move up to third position in the Barclays Women’s Super League table, at least for the time being, while Leicester City remain rooted to the bottom.