Riyad Mahrez’s slip ensured Manchester City did not pay the penalty as they took another step towards the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Leicester.
A fluent City deservedly led through David Silva and Gabriel Jesus’ penalty but Shinji Okazaki’s superb volley just before half-time set the nerves jangling at the Etihad.
Mahrez thought he had equalised from the spot in the 77th minute but referee Robert Madley correctly spotted that the Foxes star had slipped and touched the ball twice and it was ruled out.
Here, we focus on the Jesus’ performance.
Basic stats
Jesus
Goals – 1
Assists – 0
Shots – 1
Pass accuracy – 67%
Passes – 30
Key passes – 1
Touches – 44
Dribbles – 1
Dispossessed – 1
Effectiveness
Jesus wasn’t at his best, but then none of the City players were. Despite having 66% of possession, the hosts weren’t able to get the striker into the game as much as they would’ve liked.
To his credit, the Brazilian did drop deep to try and influence the game but just didn’t get enough of chances in and around the box.
In fact, apart from his goal from the penalty spot, he didn’t have any shots at goal.
Key moments
8th min: De Bruyne spots the run of Jesus and whips in a superb cross towards the Brazilian. It’s just out of reach for the striker though and Schmeichel is able to claim it.
36th min: Jesus steps up and converts the penalty to double City’s lead. A slow run up, calm as you like, dispatched in the corner.
72nd min: The 20-year-old always puts in a shift as well and on this occasion does well to win the ball from Christian Fuchs. Raheem Sterling then latches onto it to and shoots but sees his effort deflected wide.
Our verdict
The argument could be made that Jesus didn’t have the best service on the day but the best strikers are able to create the odd opportunity for themselves. To not have a single shot on goal from open play is disappointing.
Having said that, he showed nerves of steel from the spot and continued his remarkable scoring run. He did plenty off the ball too. Overall a performance that left much to be desired but he’s allowed an off day, especially when he still gets on the scoresheet in the process.
6/10
Your verdict
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com