Laporte hails Kompany after ‘unbelievable’ goal
Aymeric Laporte hailed the influence of Vincent Kompany after Manchester City’s inspirational captain struck a stunning winner in Monday’s critical clash with Leicester.
The long-serving Kompany, pictured, once again proved the man for the big occasion as he netted with a ferocious 30-yard strike 20 minutes from time to settle a tense encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
The 1-0 win lifted treble-chasing City back to the top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Liverpool, with only one game remaining in a compelling title race.
Kompany’s decisive contribution ranked alongside his vital winner against rivals Manchester United during the 2012 title run-in for importance and elevated him yet further among the City greats.
Fitness issues may mean the 33-year-old is no longer a regular starter but the influence of the three-time titlewinning skipper on the side shows no sign of waning.
Fellow central defender Laporte said: “It is amazing, unbelievable. I never see one goal like that – maybe because I wasn’t on the pitch, I don’t know – but we are so satisfied with this game.
“He is a guy (who is) very important for us, for the club. I think he gives us a lot of things. He is an example for us.
“We have to improve and keep working with him because he can give a lot and he is a very good guy on and off the pitch.”
Kompany’s sensational strike came as City piled on the pressure in the second half, knowing anything less than a 13th successive league win would hand the initiative to Liverpool heading into the final fixtures.
Leicester had made life difficult, defending stubbornly and posing a threat on the break. Former City striker Kelechi Iheanacho should also have done better with a late chance to equalise, but the hosts did their job.
Victory over Brighton on Sunday will make them the first back-to-back title winners in a decade, regardless of how Liverpool fare against Wolves.