Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted relief was his dominant emotion after a 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday secured only their second win in 14 matches.
Goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland, scored either side of half-time, ended an eight-game winless streak away from home for the reigning Premier League champions.
Although the performance fell short of the high standards set by City during their unprecedented run of four consecutive league titles, Haaland’s emphatic header 16 minutes from time underscored the importance of the victory. The celebrations reflected the significance of halting their slump in Guardiola’s 500th game in charge.
“It is not enjoyable right now, it is just relief,” said Guardiola. “We have done incredible things for many years. Maybe this period, which feels like 100 months, will make us appreciate how good it was. Hopefully, we can get closer to what we were.”
He added: “Today we won, and this is what we needed for our minds and souls.”
The victory moved City up to fifth in the Premier League, but they remain 14 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Leicester City, managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy, have now suffered four consecutive defeats, leaving them in the relegation zone. The Foxes had opportunities to capitalise on City’s lack of confidence, particularly in the first half.
Jamie Vardy nearly won a penalty but was flagged offside before being brought down by Stefan Ortega. James Justin also hit the post with a header following a goalmouth scramble.
City opened the scoring after 21 minutes when Jakub Stolarczyk failed to hold Phil Foden’s long-range shot, allowing Savinho to slot home the rebound for his first goal for the club.
Leicester continued to create chances early in the second half. Justin’s close-range effort was cleared off the line by Manuel Akanji, and Vardy missed a golden opportunity when he fired over from Stephy Mavididi’s in-swinging cross.
“We created great moments but lacked luck in front of goal,” said Van Nistelrooy. “As a striker, you know that’s where games are decided.”
City punished Leicester’s missed opportunities when Savinho’s precise cross found Haaland, who headed home his 19th goal of the season to seal the win and end his personal four-game goal drought.
“It’s always a relief to score,” said Haaland. “It’s been a tough time, but now we have a short break to rest before the next match.”