Phil Foden’s injury-time winner clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory for Manchester City against Leeds United in a thrilling Premier League encounter, securing crucial points for the hosts.
Manchester City secured a vital and dramatic 3-2 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League this afternoon, relying on a 91st-minute strike from Phil Foden to settle a tense contest at the Etihad.
City initially enjoyed a dominant lead thanks to Foden’s early volley and a strike from Josko Gvardiol, but a spirited second-half comeback from Leeds saw the visitors draw level.
While defensive lapses complicated matters for Pep Guardiola’s side, the reigning champions ultimately found the necessary firepower to claim all three points.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 4/10
A highly forgettable outing for the Italian stopper. Donnarumma appeared highly unsettled whenever high balls or crosses entered his penalty area, and he inadvertently handed Lukas Nmecha a goal when his initial penalty save rebounded straight back to the German forward.
Matheus Nunes – 6/10
The right-back started the match brightly, claiming a superb assist on the first goal and playing a contributing role in the second. However, his afternoon quickly soured after he was directly responsible for Leeds’ first goal, committing two critical errors in the build-up.
Ruben Dias – 7.5/10
The centre-back delivered a calm and reliable showing in defence. Dias was highly effective in initiating play from the back line, maintaining composure throughout what became a frenetic second half.
Josko Gvardiol – 6.5/10
The Croatian international’s match was a contrast of two halves. Gvardiol was excellent and even registered a goal in the opening period, but his defensive work deteriorated after the break, struggling to contain Dominic Calvert-Lewin and conceding a penalty.
Nico O’Reilly – 7.5/10
Operating from the left side, O’Reilly proved to be a consistent creative threat for City. He registered an assist and was particularly effective in generating opportunities when moving into central midfield areas.
Nico Gonzalez – 7/10
The midfielder demonstrated competency while in possession, but he seemed to be overwhelmed in the second half. Gonzalez found it difficult to cope with the increased intensity and physical approach of the Leeds midfield unit.
Tijjani Reijnders – 5.5/10
Despite seeing a significant amount of the ball throughout the fixture, Reijnders failed to produce any meaningful offensive contribution. He struggled to create chances of substance for his attacking teammates.
Bernardo Silva – 6/10
Similar to his midfield partner Reijnders, Silva was often involved in possession but did little to impact the match’s tempo or result. He, too, was overrun by Leeds’ intense midfield pressure in the latter stages.
Phil Foden – 9/10 (Man of the Match)
Foden was the difference-maker on the day. Despite a relatively subdued second half, the forward ultimately provided the moments of genius needed, netting the match-winning goal in the 91st minute to clinch all three points for City.
Erling Haaland – 5/10
The Norwegian striker was largely uninvolved in the contest. Despite City’s dominant spells, especially in the first half, Haaland received very little quality service, leaving him unable to influence the scoreline.
Jeremy Doku – 7.5/10
Every time Doku received the ball, he actively sought to force a positive outcome for his side. His proficiency in one-on-one situations and his high-quality crossing were crucial elements of City’s attack.
Rayan Cherki – 7.5/10
As a key substitute, Cherki made an immediate and telling impact on the fixture, providing the assist for Foden’s decisive, match-winning goal.