Man City 3 – 1 Leicester

Manchester City’s early goal glut secured a 3—1 win over Dean Smith’s Leicester at the Etihad Stadium that closes the gap on leaders Arsenal to three points.

John Stones opened the scoring early on before two further first-half goals from Erling Haaland, the first from the penalty spot and the second set up by Kevin De Bruyne, settled the result before the break. Haaland has now scored 32 Premier League goals – two shy of the record.

The hope for Leicester was that Smith’s arrival would bring an upturn in performance and substitute Kelechi Iheanacho’s late goal against his former club offered some cheer. But defeat leaves them languishing one place off bottom, two points from safety but with others moving away.

Pep Guardiola, able to withdraw Haaland at half-time, can be rather more optimistic given that this was Manchester City 10th win in a row in all competitions, even if his substitutions did disrupt their rhythm. They go to Munich in midweek with their hopes of a treble intact.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Man City are back in action on Wednesday when they face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final; kick-off 8pm.

After that, Guardiola’s side face Sheffield United in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday April 22; kick-off 4.45pm.

Man City’s next Premier League game is the crucial clash against league leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday April 26; kick-off 8pm.

Meanwhile, Leicester host Wolves on Saturday April 22; kick-off 3pm.

Man City’s remaining fixtures

April 19: Bayern Munich (A) – Champions League, kick-off 8pm

April 22: Sheffield United (N) – FA Cup, kick-off 3pm

April 26: Arsenal (H) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm

April 30: Fulham (A) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

May 3: West Ham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

May 7: Leeds United (H) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

May 13: Everton (A) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 20: Chelsea (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 28: Brentford (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm

TBA: Brighton (A) – Premier League

Leicester’s remaining fixtures

April 22: Wolves (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

April 25: Leeds (H) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm

May 1: Everton (H) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

May 8: Fulham (A) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 13: Liverpool (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 20: Newcastle (A) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 28: West Ham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm