Manchester City won away against Leeds on Saturday, 1-0, in a match of the 28th round of the Premier League. The Citizens' lineup, which included Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, and Rúben Dias, had one notable absence: Haaland. Pep Guardiola explained that the Norwegian had sustained an injury two days before the match and would therefore miss this encounter. Without the Norwegian powerhouse, the attack was primarily left to Marmoush and Semenyo, with Cherki providing significant support. However, it was not the Sky Blues' attack that made the first impression in the game, but rather the hosts. The first half hour from Leeds was vibrant, featuring quick transitions, vertical attacks, and high pressing that created danger on more than one occasion. Aaronson was a headache for the opponents, with crosses, bursts of speed, and shots, and it took just four minutes for the American to set up Calvert-Lewin with a perfect pass, which the Englishman failed to capitalize on. The first shot on target from Man City came in the 40th minute, from Marmoush, and shortly after, O'Reilly had the best chance for the visitors, with a header from a Matheus Nunes pass that Darlow prevented from going into the net. This moment showcased the growing influence of the Premier League runners-up in the match, which culminated in a goal at 45'+3: Cherki found Ait-Nouri, the left-back applied pressure to the ball, and Semenyo slid in to make it 1-0, marking the 14th goal for the former Bournemouth winger in the competition. The goal came just before halftime and forced Leeds to step up at the beginning of the second half, but without the same intensity they had shown at the start of the match. Man City, who also did not appear particularly effective in attack, had the best opportunity after the break, with a header from Guéhi that did not result in a 2-0 because Darlow, the home goalkeeper, made a diving save. The end saw Leeds pressuring for a goal, but while at the start of the game, Manchester City had shown some difficulty in preventing their opponents from creating danger, the response from the Sky Blues' defense was of high quality in the final minutes, stopping the barrage from Daniel Farke's side, who, at the end of the match, also saw a red card for comments directed at referee Peter Bankes. Thus, the game ended with little flair, but with enough effectiveness and defensive accuracy when it was most needed from Manchester City. A victory that was as valuable as any other: three points in the pursuit of leader Arsenal.
Manchester City Arsenal Manchester City remains central to this story.
Manchester City Arsenal Manchester City remains central to this story.
Read more in Premier League news. and related tags: Manchester City, Arsenal Manchester City.