Manchester City needed to get back to winning ways after losses against Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen, and they eventually got the job done thanks to Phil Foden
Phil Foden spared Manchester City’s blushes with a stoppage time winner at the Etihad against Leeds after they had blown a two-goal lead.
City’s title hopes looked to have suffered a hammer blow at the hands of Leeds, who battled back from two goals down at half-time. Pep Guardiola’s men took just 60 seconds to go ahead through Foden, before Josko Gvardiol doubled City’s advantage ahead of the break.
But they crumbled in the second half as a goal from substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewis, who then won a penalty for Lukas Nmecha to convert, turned the game on its head. Foden’s last-minute heroics with a left-footed drive saved the day, keeping City within touching distance of leaders Arsenal, who are four points ahead, with a game in hand. Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News.
First XI
Donnarumma
His erratic performance in the second half gave Leeds hope, and his penalty save ultimately proved inconsequential. 5.
Nunes
Outstanding in the first half but dreadful for Calvert-Lewin’s goal and didn’t improve much thereafter. 4
Gvardiol
Managed to scramble a goal after missing a golden opportunity, only to completely lose his composure for the penalty. 4.
Dias
Was more theatrical than effective, making plenty of noise at the officials without asserting dominance on the pitch. 5.
O’Reilly
Shone in the first half and assisted in the second goal, although Leeds managed to get past him in the second half. 6.
Gonzalez
One of City’s best performers, though there wasn’t much competition. He won balls and moved the play forward, but lacked support. 6.
Silva
His focus seemed to wane in the second half as City struggled, failing to orchestrate play as effectively. 5.
Foden
A brilliant start and a commendable finish, helping City clinch a game they nearly didn’t deserve to win. 8.
Reijnders
Showcased his signature shot that almost found the net before fading in the second half. 5.
Doku
Delivered some excellent forward passes from midfield, though he would have liked to make more of an impact on the flanks. 5.
Haaland
Virtually invisible up front, only managing to touch the ball when defending set-pieces in his own box. 4.
Substitutes
Cherki (for Reijnders, 75):
Assisted Foden’s goal. 6.
Marmoush (for Silva, 89):
No time to make an impact.
Unused substitutes
Trafford, Ake, Stones, Ait-Nouri, Lewis, Khusanov, Savinho.
#Man #City #player #ratings #Leeds #stinkers #Phil #Foden #Arsenal #chase #alive
