De Bruyne’s rocket sinks Leicester as Man City go top

Manchester City’s Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (3rd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal from a freekick during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Manchester City at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on October 29, 2022. (Photo by Geoff Caddick / AFP)

Kevin De Bruyne fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League as the Belgian’s sublime free-kick sealed a 1-0 win against lowly Leicester on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side were without Erling Haaland at the King Power Stadium after the Norwegian failed to recover from an ankle injury.

But De Bruyne ensured the prolific striker wasn’t missed by the champions as he netted with a superb set-piece in the second half.

City’s first away win in their last four games moved them one point above second placed Arsenal, who host Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Since their damaging loss at Liverpool, City have recovered with successive league victories to underline their determination to win a fifth title in six years.

Leicester’s first defeat in four matches leaves them one place above the relegation zone.

Haaland had started all but one game this season after joining from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 22 goals in all competitions.

Guardiola was reluctant to discuss Haaland’s absence but revealed his prolific star had “a bit of fever, tired, and he has to recover (from the injury) as well”.

With Haaland sidelined, Julian Alvarez came in for his second league start of the season and City seemed unfazed in a vibrant start.

Danny Ward had to save Ilkay Gundogan’s header before De Bruyne whipped a corner towards Rodri, whose header was tipped over by the Leicester keeper.

Bernardo Silva was next to test Ward from just