Bernardo Silva’s close-range finish on the hour claimed a deserved three points for Pep Guardiola‘s men, but our goalkeeper also stepped up when it mattered to thwart Harvey Barnes and Patson Daka in either half and preserve the clean sheet.
The Brazilian required treatment following the first of those saves from Barnes after the winger’s boot unintentionally caught him in the mouth, but he brushed off the injury to claim a third Premier League shutout in four matches.
And James – who racked up a century of appearances between the sticks for the Club – pointed out that Ederson‘s commitment to the cause is an often overlooked but vital quality that he possesses.
Speaking on Saturday’s Matchday Live show, he said: “When City signed Ederson, I watched videos of him and one was at Benfica diving at someone’s feet, brave as a lion.
“That’s the type of guy he is, and he’s proven it once again. If he doesn’t show that bravery, Leicester are 1-0 up at half-time.
“He’s not had much to do, but today he did everything perfectly which allowed City to get the three points against a tough Leicester side.”
Former City defender Nedum Onuoha, who joined James in the Matchday Live studio, agreed with his ex-teammates’ assessment and also highlighted Ederson’s willingness to try and prevent the rebound from Barnes’ effort despite his obvious injury.
“He’s tough as nails,” Onuoha declared.
“It could’ve been easy for him to stay on the floor, and the game should’ve stopped but it didn’t, so you’re left with a decision.
“That’s the type of person you want behind you.”
Following the full-time whistle, our special guests also answered questions from Matchday Live viewers, one of which asked for their assessment on Jack Grealish’s time at City so far.
Onuoha and James’ were unanimous in their opinion of our new No.10, agreeing that the midfielder will only improve as he becomes more attuned to his new teammates and Pep Guardiola’s style of play.
Nonetheless, they both agreed that the former Aston Villa captain is quickly finding his feet at the Etihad Stadium, and has adapted well to his new role.
“I like how well he’s doing. He’s getting better and starting to understand the City system and his role in that,” Onuoha said.
“He knows that it doesn’t all have to go through him. Like his goal against Norwich, the ball’s out on the right but he gets to the back post.
“City’s strength is in the collective and he’s bought into that. I think he could get even better still. He’s an exceptional talent.”
James echoed Onuoha’s sentiments and believes securing the signature of Grealish was an astute piece of business by the Club.
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He said: “When you saw him at Villa - he had to do so much, but he’s learned he doesn’t have that responsibility.
“He’s got the support network around him, so he does what he does best.
“We didn’t score five (against Leicester), but we had the chances to do that, and Grealish was at the heart of that. City have bought the right player for our further development.”
