A potential upset avoided and progression secured to the next round of the cup. City were involved in an intense, high-scoring game for the second time in a week after the frantic victory over Wolves. Sven’s Leicester side adopted an industrious approach and were very impressive in possession, but City had enough in the tank to see-off the Championship outfit.

Despite the eventual result it was Leicester who started better; controlling possession and unleashing the menacing Dyer down their right flank. The winger took advantage of Kolarov’s eagerness to bound forwards and was often left in acres of space. Howard started up front for the visitors in the absence of Vassell and Yakubu and had a good aerial contest with Lescott. However, with Howard you do not get the tireless channel running of Vassell, who vacates space for the likes of King and Abe to exploit.

City’s slow start was mainly due to the lack of numbers occupying the midfield. Leicester’s middle men exploited Vieira’s lack of pace and threw numbers forward in support of Howard. But City held firm in the opening passage and took the lead when Tevez sprung upon some lackadaisical defending to rifle into the top corner. The goal ended Leicester’s dominance but did not halt their charge as only minutes later, Gallagher equalised from the spot after another Dyer run.

However, Leicester’s strength in throwing men forward proved to be their downfall. In packing the midfield they left lots of space in wide positions and were susceptible on the brisk counterattack. And City deployed both of these tactics; releasing Johnson on the break and utilising the attacking nous of the full backs. City’s second goal came courtesy of delightful cross-field pass from Argie to Argie; Tevez to Zabaleta. Pablo cut the ball back to Silva whose deflected shot found Vieira only yards from goal.

City’s second of the evening dented the oppositions confidence but it was the third that ultimately decided the game. A mere minute after Vieira scoring, lighting struck again: Silva picked the ball up in a central position and aware of Johnson’s burst (what is now becoming a trademark diagonal run), supplied a delicious, defence-splitting pass for him to latch onto and knock beyond Weale. Despite his obvious lack of match fitness, this was Silva at his best – pulling the strings and orchestrating our attacking forays with his incisive passing. His presence has been missed in recent games but his return should benefit none more than Edin Dzeko, who will profit from the Spaniard’s eye for a pass in-behind.

The tactics adopted were relatively complicated. Kolarov’s intent on supporting the attacks left a massive hole at the back. Normally, these gaps would be covered by the scurrying Barry but with Vieira struggling to control the midfield, Lescott was forced to man the left back position, leaving him to deal with the direct threat from Lloyd Dyer. In attack, City got a lot of support to Tevez, quickly and gave the frontman a number of options. Johnson hugged the touchline whilst Silva preferred to drift inside and play as the link between midfield and attack. Yaya had a reserved game by his recent standards but surged forward when required. Barry helped shore up the midfield when he arrived whilst Jo did little to suggest he is not as bad as we all know. The player that most impressed me though was James Milner, working tirelessly, marking the excellent Richie Wellens and passing expertly to his advanced team-mates. He was a vital part of the win and should be deployed in a similar position more often.

Leicester started well again after the break – regaining control in midfield. But City illustrated their quality when Tevez broke with pace before being up-ended. He missed the resulting penalty, giving Leicester hope, and despite netting a second goal five minutes before the end of the game, their hopes disintergrated when Kolarov sealed the tie with a fierce left footed drive. Overall, it was a clinical, pleasing performance. Mancini will not be happy with conceding two goals to Championship opposition but progression through to the next round was paramount. And with trip to Meadow Lane booked, City can now focus their attention on a steadily improving Aston Villa side.