Foden Scores Injury-time Winner as Man City See Off Leeds Fightback

At a glance

Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol put hosts two goals up

Leeds level through Dominic Calvert-Lewin & Lukas Nmecha

Foden scores late winner for Manchester City

PLAYER RATER

Phil Foden scored twice as Manchester City made up ground in the Premier League title race after almost blowing a two-goal lead against strugglers Leeds.

The result moves City up to second in the table after Saturday’s 3pm kick-offs, four points behind leaders Arsenal, while it is a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches for Leeds.

However, it was anything but the routine victory anticipated when Foden scored the first of his brace with just 59 seconds on the clock.

City were in total control as the England international steered in Matheus Nunes’ cross and Josko Gvardiol doubled their advantage in the 25th minute.

And against Leeds side seemingly incapable of keeping the ball long enough to launch a meaningful attack, it looked as though Daniel Farke’s side were in damage-limitation territory.

Only some excellent goalkeeping from Lucas Perri – who complained he was being obstructed in the build-up to Gvardiol’s goal – kept the visitors in the contest.

However, after the break the introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin galvanised Leeds and he poked home after Nunes diverted the ball into his path.

When Lukas Nmecha converted his second attempt from the penalty spot after Calvert-Lewin had been fouled by City’s Croatian centre-back Gvardiol, the visitors’ hopes of an unlikely first away win since 20 September were briefly raised.

But on a day when Erling Haaland was made to wait for his 100th Premier League goal, Foden instead came to City’s rescue with an unerring left-foot finish into the bottom left corner in stoppage time.

Man City analysis: Foden saves the day

Guardiola reflects on late Manchester City victory against Leeds

With 90 minutes on the clock, Guardiola’s City side were six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

City were also level on points with Chelsea, with both London clubs having a game in hand.

Home frustration was growing with every attack that was repelled and Leeds were looking good for a remarkable point against opponents that many see as the Gunners’ most likely long-term title rivals.

And then Foden provided the sort of moment that underlined his ability to change a game and result in an instant.

Under pressure in the penalty area the England international, who was excellent throughout, did not rush and delivered the coup de grace to allow City to bounce back with a victory following consecutive defeats.

While there will still be question marks over City’s credentials when it comes to mounting a realistic challenge to Arsenal, given the way they failed to cope with Leeds’ more direct approach, Foden ensured that debate will be for another day.

Leeds analysis: Farke decides to twist

Farke reacts to late Leeds defeat at Man City

During a pretty abject first period Leeds’ gameplan appeared to totally revolve around long balls towards Daniel James and Nmecha.

The problem was that they simply had no support and were unable to retain the ball when it went forward.

Yet with the potential for the scoreline to get ugly, Farke decided to twist, rather than stick, by reverting to a 3-5-2 formation and playing with two centre-forwards after the break.

It was a brave decision from the German, who has received criticism for Leeds’ lack of adventure and goals.

Yet it almost reaped dividends with both Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin scoring as their more direct approach unsettled City and laid the platform for a brave fightback that was only spoiled by Foden’s late intervention.

What’s next for these teams?

Manchester City travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Tuesday, 2 December in the Premier League (19:30 GMT). Leeds host Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday, 3 December (20:15 GMT).

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Source: BBC