Manchester City commemorate title anniversary with important win over Leicester City

Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi protests an apparent goal by Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez (26) that was later overturned because Mahrez hit the ball twice. City won 2-1. Martin Rickett / Press AssShow more

Manchester City 2 Leicester City 1

City: David Silva (29’) Gabriel Jesus (36’ PEN)

Leicester: Shinji Okazaki (42’)

Man of the Match: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

May 13 may always remain the most famous, most cherished, most dramatic date in Manchester City’s history.

Not May 13, 2017, admittedly, though it was a day when Pep Guardiola’s side closed in on the top-four finish that will yield Uefa Champions League football next season.

There were loud cheers during the 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday when the clock reached 93 minutes and 20 seconds, the moment when Sergio Aguero scored the title-winning goal on May 13 in 2012 against Queens Park Rangers, and there was an understandable ovation when the Argentinian came on as a substitute against Leicester.

But on the fifth anniversary of that memorable day at the Etihad Stadium, City served up something which, if less significant, was almost as eventful and featured equally unlikely twists in the plot.

There was the sight of Shinji Okazaki, a striker who had gone 23 games and five months without a goal, swivelling in mid-air to score a stunning volley. “Exceptional,” said Guardiola.

Strangest of all, there was the equaliser that was not, the moment when Riyad Mahrez started to celebrate only for Bobby Madley to award a free kick to Manchester City.

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Unlike most others, the referee had spotted that the winger had slipped while taking a penalty, touching the ball twice.

“In golf, it is the same rule,” smiled Guardiola. “The referee was so brave.”

Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare branded it “a freak penalty” and clutched at straws, arguing the encroachment of two defenders meant the spot kick could have been retaken.

But Madley’s was a superb decision, which predictably prompted the Leicester fans to tell him he is not qualified to do his job.

It was a particular reprieve for Gael Clichy, who had brought down Mahrez to concede the penalty, and a let-off for Manchester City.

What threatened to be a comfortable win became a fraught, fractious affair.

Relief engulfed the Etihad Stadium when, after 100 minutes, Madley eventually ended the game. City had been under pressure, the importance of the occasion contributing to their anguish.

“We didn’t know whether to attack or defend,” Guardiola said. “You have to understand how important it is for the club, the fans, the players: everybody.”

It had begun with waves of attacks from Guardiola’s side. For the second successive Saturday, David Silva broke the deadlock.

The midfielder’s assured finish came after a centre from Leroy Sane, who troubled Danny Simpson with his speed.

Leicester were more aggrieved by the other City winger, pointing out a seemingly offside Raheem Sterling had applied the final touch.

“It was three times offside,” said Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel. “He is blocking my view.”

In the absence of the injured Robert Huth and Wes Morgan, Yohan Benalouane was Leicester’s only specialist centre-back and proved an inadequate deputy.

A late lunge at Sane brought a penalty. Gabriel Jesus duly defeated Schmeichel.

A City career that has only entailed six starts has nevertheless provided five goals and two assists. It is a return that bodes well for next season.

But Yaya Toure, who has never missed a Premier League penalty, seemed set to take it. Instead, the baton was handed over to the younger generation, even as a veteran railed against the passing of time.

“I feel younger than Raheem [Sterling],” claimed Toure, influential on the day he turned 34.

“I appreciate playing and age is only just a number. I hate birthdays.”

A landmark day instead beckons when West Bromwich Albion visit on Tuesday. It may prove the last home game for a player who is out of contract in the summer.

“My future is all about Tuesday’s match,” the midfielder said.

So is City’s. They could clinch a top-four finish then. “It’s in our hands,” said Guardiola.

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