Man City back on top of EPL after Kompany wonder goal

(AP):

Manchester City returned to the top of the English Premier League with one round left after captain Vincent Kompany hit a sensational goal to beat Leicester 1-0 in a dramatic and tense match yesterday.

The ferocious long-range shot by City’s long-serving and influential captain settled nerves 70 minutes into the nail-biting contest at Etihad Stadium.

Few would have expected Kompany to shoot when the ball fell to him 30 yards out but he let it fly with a powerful strike.

“Vinny, I tell you, ‘No shoot!’” City striker Sergio Aguero was captured on television telling Kompany after the final whistle.

Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had no chance as the ball swerved away from him into the top corner.

Title destiny

Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing side needed to win to retain control of their title destiny, and their 13th successive victory took them a point above Liverpool. City should successfully defend the title next Sunday at lowly Brighton. Liverpool host Wolverhampton.

It was anything but straightforward for City as Leicester, under the guidance of former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, proved tough defensively and a threat on the break.

Yet City, knowing the importance of victory, gave it everything. They were again missing the midfield composure of Fernandinho but made their usual high-energy start.

Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling tore down the right and left flanks, respectively, and cut inside menacingly while Phil Foden, again trusted by Guardiola in another key fixture, was also lively.

Leicester was also relishing the contest and it was the visitors who created the first serious opening when Ricardo Pereira skipped into the area and had his shot blocked by Kompany. Marc Albrighton’s follow-up effort was also charged down.