Manchester City entered their fixture against Leeds United under unusual pressure. Back-to-back defeats had raised concerns about a dip in form, yet Guardiola’s men responded with a scrappy but significant 3–2 win at the Etihad Stadium.
The opening phase suggested none of the recent troubles had lingered. City imposed control immediately, and within 59 seconds Phil Foden struck the opener after a swift exchange of passes dissected the Leeds midfield. City’s tempo remained high, their positional rotations fluid, and Gvardiol’s 25th-minute goal reflected well-orchestrated build-up play from deep.
Leeds, though struggling in the table, were not deterred. Their manager clearly instructed a more aggressive second-half press, and it paid off almost instantly. Calvert-Lewin’s goal early after the restart exploited City’s high defensive line, catching the centre-backs out of shape. It was a warning shot.
The visitors intensified their pressure. City’s midfield, despite boasting technical superiority, looked momentarily overwhelmed by Leeds’ energetic pressing traps. As they began losing second balls, Leeds capitalised again: Nmecha’s 68th-minute equaliser was a product of sustained territorial pressure and a rare lapse in City’s usually meticulous defensive structure.
At 2–2, Leeds had the best of the momentum and City’s earlier dominance appeared a distant memory. Leeds’ direct transitions and physicality threatened to undo Guardiola’s tactical plan entirely.
But late in matches, City often rely not on system but on individual brilliance. And here, Foden delivered. In the 91st minute, after a recycled attack, he found a pocket of space inside the area and finished with composure that belied the match’s intensity.
City survived the extended added time and secured their eighth league win, placing them second with 25 points from 13 games. Arsenal lead with 29 from 12, while Chelsea occupy third with 23.
For Leeds, a fourth consecutive defeat leaves them pinned to 18th place and increasingly embroiled in a relegation battle.