Phil Foden’s stoppage-time winner rescued Manchester City after they blew a two-goal lead at home to Leeds as Pep Guardiola’s side stayed alive in the title race with a crucial victory.
Foden struck in the second minute of stoppage time to deny a spirited Leeds side a precious comeback after the visitors equalised through second-half goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.
City looked to be cruising to victory after Foden scored inside the first minute and Josko Gvardiol doubled their advantage from a corner.
Daniel Farke made changes at half time and Calvert-Lewin brought an instant impact. The striker pulled one back and was then fouled by Gvardiol in the box, allowing Nmecha to equalise after Gianluigi Donnarrumma saved his initial penalty.
Foden’s winner, which saw the England international work space in the box before firing a shot into the corner, keeps City within four points of Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
Follow all the latest action from the Premier League clash between Man City and Leeds below.
Man City v Leeds
- Foden's 91st-minute winner rescues Man City against Leeds
- GOAL! Man City 3-2 Leeds (Foden, 90 min)
- GOAL! Man City 2-2 Leeds (Nmecha, 66 min)
- GOAL! Man City 2-1 Leeds (Calvert-Lewin, 49 min)
- GOAL! Man City 2-0 Leeds (Gvardiol, 24 min)
- GOAL! Man City 1-0 Leeds (Foden, 1 min)
How Phil Foden rescued a result Man City hardly deserved
19:09 , Richard JollyIf Phil Foden’s brace was separated by 90 minutes, there was more than just time between the goals that bookended a crazy game. The emotions fluctuated, the balance of power shifted. Manchester City assumed a position of complete dominance. Leeds United mounted a stirring, stunning comeback. And, at the end, the situation was as it had been after one minute: with one goal between them and Foden the match-winner.
Yet the victors showcased frailties and the losers seemed to emerge stronger than they were beforehand. It was that kind of illogical occasion.
Daniel Farke accuses Man City of exploiting football rule with ‘obvious’ Donnarumma tactic
19:07 , Richard JollyLeeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Gianluigi Donnarumma of gamesmanship to allow Pep Guardiola to deliver a team-talk on the pitch during the second half of Manchester City's 3-2 win at the Etihad.
Farke believes goalkeepers have taken to going down and faking injuries to bring a break in play and called on the authorities to change the rules. Unlike with outfield players, the game cannot continue while a goalkeeper receives treatment, which can present a loophole for coaches to give additional in-game instructions.
The German said it was not “fair play” and said he disliked such behaviour, though he exonerated Guardiola from the blame.
Farke said: “Everyone knows why he went down. Why he went down was obvious.
“It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it, if it is in the sense of fair play, if it should be like this, I keep it to myself and I leave it to the authorities to find solutions for it.”
Farke accuses Man City of exploiting football rule with ‘obvious’ Donnarumma tactic
Foden: 'I was hungry for goals'
17:29 , Lawrence Ostlere"The title race is never straightforward. There's always ups and downs and periods where you can't seem to get going and we've had that.
"The belief and togetherness came through at the end. Hopefully that's the case today that we can kick on from here. But you never know what to expect.
"I was so hungry today to play and prove to myself I could still score goals. I missed a few chances against Newcastle and wanted to put it right."
Foden delighted after 'wild game'
17:22 , Lawrence Ostlere"It's up there as one of the wildest games. We had full control in the first half. They changed their system in the second half and we couldn't get going.
"It was a frustrating half. But when there was a short break the manager got us together and we adapted to their formation. We had a few half chances and finally I've found a bit of space and found the bottom fo the net.
"There are still things we can improve. We're delighted with the result.”
Full-time: Man City 3-2 Leeds
17:17 , Lawrence OstlerePhil Foden’s winning moment:
Full-time: Man City 3-2 Leeds
17:02 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Remarkable game. For Leeds, both a stirring and a frustrating one, with that comeback in vain but yet indicating that they, and Daniel Farke, are not done yet. For City, it was a win what nevertheless highlighted frailties. They scarcely looked potential champions.
Full-time: Man City 3-2 Leeds
17:01 , Lawrence OstlereCity cling on to a precious three points! They close the gap to Arsenal, who go to Chelsea tomorrow, to four points.
Leeds remain in the relegation zone, but what a second half performance by Daniel Farke’s side, and particularly Dominic Calvert-Lewin. No one saw that coming.
Man City 3-2 Leeds
16:57 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Now it is John Stones for Jeremy Doku. City are looking to shut up shop after a second half they have completely failed to control.
Man City 3-2 Leeds
16:57 , Lawrence Ostlere90+4 min: There are 10 minutes being added on at the Etihad, so still time for Leeds to provide a late, late twist. They are pushing...
GOAL! Man City 3-2 Leeds (Foden, 90 min)
16:51 , Lawrence OstlereCity have done it! Foden dribbles into the penalty area, gets his shot away and it hits the back of the net to send up an almighty roar around the Etihad!
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:50 , Lawrence Ostlere87 min: Marmoush is the latest with a headed chance, but he can’t find the corner of the goal.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:49 , Lawrence Ostlere85 min: Doku’s cross from the left is floated towards Haaland, who gets his head to it but can’t generate enough power under pressure by Struijk.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:48 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Now it will be time for Omar Marmoush, one of those who failed to take their chance against Leverkusen. He looks the last throw of the dice for Guardiola.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:48 , Lawrence Ostlere84 min: Leeds probe with a counter-attack, but it comes to nothing. They are not giving up on the win yet.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:43 , Lawrence Ostlere77 min: Guardiola has still only made that sole change, bringing on Cherki. City pushing for the winner but few clear chances...
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:39 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
This is turning into a terrible week for City, unless they can find a winner: two defeats and now, as it stands, a draw when they were 2-0 up. Guardiola has sent on Rayan Cherki in the hope he can make the difference. It feels like he can't decide whether Cherki or Reijnders is in his first choice team so he swaps between them.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:39 , Lawrence OstlereThe moment Leeds levelled:
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:34 , Lawrence Ostlere70 min: City appeal for a penalty as Bernardo Silva is challenged in the box but nothing doing. Doku drives down to the byline and crosses, but somehow Struijk shins it away. Leeds suddenly under big pressure.
Man City 2-2 Leeds
16:31 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Nmecha played for City and never scored for them. But he has now scored against them, slotting in the rebound after Donnarumma's penalty save. This is a magnificent comeback from Leeds. No signs at half-time it was coming
GOAL! Man City 2-2 Leeds (Nmecha, 66 min)
16:29 , Lawrence OstlereWow. Donnarumma dives to save former City player Lukas Nmecha’s penalty, but the midfielder pounces on the rebound and Leeds are level!
Penalty to Leeds!
16:28 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Calvert-Lewin has been playing like a man possessed and he has won a penalty, chopped down by Gvardiol. This could be quite a comeback.
Penalty to Leeds!
16:27 , Lawrence OstlereThis is extraordinary. A long ball by keeper Perri and Calvert-Lewin is in behind – Gvardiol makes a clumsy challenge and it’s a penalty. What on earth is going on?! He’s booked, too.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:25 , Lawrence Ostlere66 min: Reijnders strikes well at goal but his shot is blocked. Now Justin James is down receiving treatment, and there’s another break in play.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:24 , Lawrence Ostlere65 min: Was that Donarumma injury just a chance for Guardiola to speak with his players? City had a little teamtalk on the touchline while the keeper receieved treatment.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:23 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumDonnarumma has gone with an injury of some kind, but it seems like he’s OK to continue, for now.
Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Donnarumma is down now, apparently injured. After the smoothest of first halves for City, the second is proving rather more problematic.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:17 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium”
Nunes has now been booked for halting a rampaging Calvert-Lewin in illegal fashion. After an excellent first half, he is really struggling in the second.
Man City 2-1 Leeds
16:16 , Lawrence Ostlere
Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium
16:12 , Lawrence OstlereRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
An early reward for Farke. Calvert-Lewin scores four minutes after coming on after not one but two mistakes from Matheus Nunes
GOAL! Man City 2-1 Leeds (Calvert-Lewin, 49 min)
16:12 , Lawrence OstlereWow! Leeds have started the second half well and they get their goal. Nunes gives the ball away and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has a simple finish to pull one back. A mess, from City’s point of view.
Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium
16:10 , Lawrence OstlereRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Daniel Farke has taken off his wingers with Dan James and Willy Gnonto removed. He has brought on a centre-back and a centre forward, in Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It looks like a change of shape.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
16:10 , Lawrence OstlereThey’re back on at the Etihad. Is there any way back for Leeds?
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:50 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
One-way traffic. Foden, Reijnders and Nunes are among the City players who have had fine first halves. Leeds have produced a couple of outstanding blocks, and without them could be 3-0 down, but it is hard to see much reason for optimism for them.
Half-time: Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:50 , Lawrence OstlereThere’s the whistle, and City are cruising at the break.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:46 , Lawrence Ostlere44 min: Nico Gonzalez hits a shot at goal which is well stopped by Perri in the Leeds goal, and then Reijnders crashes a shot which is well stopped too. Leeds fighting to prevent a third.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:45 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium
City have been far superior in the first half. Some might say that is Pep Guardiola's reward for resting so many players against Bayer Leverkusen. The alternative argument is that he really didn't need to leave so many out on Tuesday and that the dropped points then could cost City and land them with two extra games in February.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:44 , Lawrence Ostlere41 min: It’s neither – instead it’s Reijnders who strikes but his effort hits the wall.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:43 , Lawrence Ostlere40 min: City free-kick in a dangerous position, 25 yards out, with Foden and Bernardo standing over it...
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:37 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Pretty bleak for Leeds so far. Lukas Nmecha has just blazed over but they are yet to test Gianluigi Donnarumma. This is looking like a long afternoon for them. Rather than mounting a comeback, it might just be a damage limitation job.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:36 , Lawrence Ostlere32 min: Gvardiol lays it back and Reijnders lashes a shot at goal, but it flies just over the crossbar.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:30 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Two for City and a first for the season for Josko Gvardiol. Not a great moment for Lucas Perri, though, with the Leeds keeper outjumped in the bid to meet Tijjani Reijnders' corner, with Nico O'Reilly shouldering it down for Gvardiol to tap in.
Man City 2-0 Leeds
15:29 , Lawrence OstlereVAR confirms the goal!
GOAL! Man City 2-0 Leeds (Gvardiol, 24 min)
15:27 , Lawrence OstlereCity have two! Perri initially saved a fierce Foden strike to concede the corner, but from there Leeds’ defending was meek, and Gvardiol knocked home in the six-yard box.
But VAR is checking for offside...
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:24 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
A brilliant block by Jayden Bogle to deny Foden a second. Once again, though, he is the man in space in the box
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:19 , Lawrence Ostlere17 min: Haaland tries to get on the end of a deep Doku cross but can’t win his duel with Struijk at the far post.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:16 , Lawrence Ostlere14 min: No more chances for City since the goal, despite dominating the ball. O’Reilly commits a foul and Leeds earn a little bit of respite.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:14 , Lawrence OstlereA closer look at Foden’s goal:
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:12 , Lawrence Ostlere9 min: Opta have recorded the goal at 59 seconds, which does indeed make it the quickest of the Premier League season. That’s his fifth of a bright campaign so far.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:08 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
Phil Foden joins Maxime Esteve as Manchester City's second top scorer in the Premier League this season on two. His first league goal since the Manchester derby, hooked in from Matheus Nunes' cross
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:07 , Lawrence Ostlere5 min: City are continuing to push for a second goal. Which is good for their fans, plenty of whom will have missed the first.
Man City 1-0 Leeds
15:04 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
One minute gone, one goal for City. Nightmare start for Leeds.
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Leeds (Foden, 1 min)
15:03 , Lawrence OstlereThat didn’t take long – the quickest goal of the season? A quick switch of play to the right where Nunes fires it into the centre for Foden arriving in the six-yard box to fire home.
Kick-off! Man City v Leeds
15:01 , Lawrence OstlereThe players are ready at the Etihad... and they’re off!
Pascal Struijk wary of 'quality' City players
14:54 , Lawrence Ostlere“I feel like three of us have played a lot with each other at the back. There have been mixed results but we started well and we are starting to get people going again.
“We always expect to face a good side when we face Man City. They are a top side. It doesn’t matter who is playing, they can make loads of rotations and there will always be quality players.”
Guardiola got the maths wrong and City could pay a price
14:45 , Lawrence OstlereFor some pre-match reading, here’s Richard Jolly on the problem Guardiola has given himself by losing so meekly to Leverkusen:
Pep Guardiola got his maths wrong and it could cost Man City in Champions League
Doku has no doubts City will rise from blip
14:41 , Lawrence Ostlere“I am enjoying it. We are having a good season as a team but we can still do better – that is the same for me personally. I can see a lot of improvement so I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings.
“We have a lot of energy. We are all hungry for a win. We are all prepared for this win at home. Even though the losses we have been improving. I never doubt this team. The goal is to be there at the end, and I’m sure we will.”
Farke insists Leeds are working hard
14:33 , Lawrence OstlereAn interesting quote from Daniel Farke this week, who pointed out that Leeds’ work rate is up there with the best of any side in the Premier League.
“The data shows we’re in the top two with Manchester City in terms of physical output and fitness levels this season. I see how united the players are. What’s missing is the clinical edge in both boxes. We have to improve little details.”
Man City v Leeds
14:21 , Lawrence OstlereSome pre-match pictures from the Etihad Stadium:
Daniel Farke on stopping Erling Haaland
14:16 , Lawrence Ostlere"It's a good question. We spoke about how to stop him. It's about how to stop the crosses and balls through. At the moment, he is the best striker in the world. We have to try and handle this."
No sign of Oscar Bobb
14:06 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumRichard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium:
After making 10 changes on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola makes nine more. He almost reverts to the team which lost at Newcastle last week, with the exception that Tijjani Reijnders is starting, rather than Rayan Cherki. Oscar Bobb, hauled off at half-time against Bayer Leverkusen, isn't even on the bench today. The former City youth player Lukas Nmecha leads the line for Leeds.
Man City team news
13:54 , Lawrence OstlerePep Guardiola picks the team we largely expected, except perhaps for Tijjani Reijnders – the Dutchman had lost his place in the Premier League starting XI in recent weeks but wins it back here, as Rayan Cherki takes his place on the bench.
Leeds United line-up
13:49 , Lawrence OstlerePerri; Bogle, Rodon, Strujik, Justin; Ampadu, Gruev, Tanaka; James, Nmecha, Gnonto.
Subs: Meslier, Byram, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Harrison, Aaronson, Okafor, Piroe, Calvert-Lewin.
Manchester City line-up
13:48 , Lawrence OstlereDonnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Nico, Bernardo (c), Reijnders; Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Trafford, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Khusanov, Lewis.
Man City v Leeds
13:44 , Lawrence OstlereTeam news is about to land...
Farke confident Leeds can turn season
13:28 , Lawrence OstlereFarke added: "I see what the lads are doing, how they train, how tight they are together and when I judge the objective data, it gives me lots of confidence that we have enough to succeed. I'm fully confident and fully convinced."
Farke: 'The goal was to finish 17th'
13:16 , Lawrence Ostlere"We know for which club we're working and there's always outside noise. There was in the past even after our best season in our history (points-wise) last season.
"We fully expected that this would also happen this season. When we started, the goal was to finish 17th or above and to finish 17th would be a great success. We want to stay in this league. I didn't expect it would be an easy ride.
"We had to work with limited resources in the summer with profit and sustainability rules, we had challenges also in the summer transfer window and it was always clear there would be a period where not all performances and results go our way."
Farke unfazed by criticism of Leeds
13:03 , Lawrence OstlereDaniel Farke said he and his players were "fully prepared" for the criticism and pressure they are currently facing in their Premier League survival bid.
Leeds dropped into the bottom three last weekend and remained there after a narrow 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday consigned them to a fifth defeat in their last six matches.
Farke, whose side play at Manchester City on Saturday before back-to-back home games against Chelsea and Liverpool, recently claimed his future had not been discussed by him and the club's hierarchy.
And when asked what gave him the belief his struggling side could beat the drop, he said: "We are fully concentrated and focused. I'm confident and I'm also fully convinced. To be honest, myself and my players were fully prepared for such a situation that this would happen.”
Gurdaiola blames himself for Leverkusen defeat
12:53 , Lawrence OstlereCity suffered further disappointment as they lost meekly to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Guardiola accepted the blame for that 2-0 loss after admitting he erred in making 10 changes to his starting line-up.
There were times in the game when City players tried to rally an underwhelmed crowd, but Guardiola does not blame the fans for their lack of enthusiasm.
He hopes it will be a different story when Leeds visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
He said: "As a fan I would not cheer my team, playing in the way we played. I don't blame (them), I blame myself.
"Our fans make the effort to come to see us and we are incredibly grateful, and I know the stadium because I've been for many, many years.
"If you do what you have to do, they are there, and this is what you have to try to do."
Guardiola: 'There is plenty of time'
12:43 , Lawrence OstlereAfter a defeat at Aston Villa last month, Guardiola had felt, with comfortable wins over Bournemouth and Liverpool, that City were starting to build momentum.
The 2-1 reverse at St James' Park was a frustrating slip.
Guardiola said: "We had it before the international break, but we gave away chances at Newcastle with aggression and intensity.
"We made a really good game, we created more in Newcastle than previous seasons and it was quite good, but we lost.
"Now we have to regain our momentum to start winning games and being there because there is still so long in the season."
Guardiola: No room for mistakes now
12:31 , Lawrence OstlerePep Guardiola feels Manchester City now have little room for error in the title race.
Last weekend's defeat at Newcastle - City's fourth of the campaign - has left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.
Such is the form of the Gunners, who have suffered only one defeat and conceded just six times in 12 games, that Guardiola accepts they could be tough to catch.
The City manager said: "We cannot lose games, absolutely - that is the truth.
"They are so strong and winning games, and winning games in a way where they are so solid, like we had in the past with Liverpool against us and they were not going to drop many points.
"That's why you have to be up there and this is what we will try to do."
Man City v Leeds
12:12 , Lawrence OstlereHello and welcome along to live coverage of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium today.
