Manchester City go top without Haaland – and it's hard to see anyone stopping them

Manchester City are back on top of the Premier League following a 1-0 win at Leicester on Saturday.

Kevin De Bruyne hit the only goal of the game at the King Power Stadium to hand Pep Guardiola's side a ninth win from their 12 matches and move the champions a point above Arsenal at the top of the table.

City were without injured striker Erling Haaland and found Leicester difficult to break down, but went ahead after 49 minutes as De Bruyne hit a fierce free-kick in off the post.

It was a moment of brilliance worthy of winning the game and was just what City needed on what was looking like a difficult afternoon.

City now have 29 points from their 12 games, with just one defeat in the Premier League this season – the 1-0 loss at Liverpool on October 16th.

And although the champions can be overtaken again by Arsenal – in action at home to Nottingham Forest – on Sunday, their return to the top looks like ominous news for everyone else.

For the second weekend in a row, Guardiola's side were below their best. But both times City came away with all three points and on this occasion they did so without their prolific striker.

Liverpool are already some way off the pace, while Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been inconsisent this season and Arsenal lack the champions' strength in depth, with Mikel Arteta's side having looked tired in recent weeks.

Despite the Gunners' spectacular start in the Premier League this term, it is hard to see how they or anyone else can keep up with City over the course of the season.