Top of the Premier League met top of the First Division when Leeds United travelled to Maine Road to face Manchester City in the FA Cup in January 2000.
Daniel Farke needs a result to relieve the pressure on his position with Leeds, after a poor run of Premier League results saw them slip down the table into the relegation zone.
Leeds have lost their last four meetings with Manchester City, conceding 16 goals in the process, with Stuart Dallas’ heroics providing their last win in 2021.
The balance of power has shifted in the fixture in recent years, with Pep Guardiola’s side having the better of results after Leeds’ relegation from the top flight in 2004.
However, Leeds had the last laugh when the two sides met at Maine Road 25 years ago, as Lee Bowyer scored the pick of the goals in a thrilling encounter.
Prediction time for Leeds v Man City
Daniel Farke greets Pep Guardiola.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Lee Bowyer scored the goal of the game as Leeds United progressed in the 2000 FA Cup
When Leeds were handed a tricky trip to Maine Road to play Manchester City in the 1999/00 FA Cup, there was a keen sense of intrigue around the fixture.
The draw meant that the teams that topped the Premier League and the First Division would go head-to-head on a cold January afternoon shortly after the nation ushered in the new millennium.
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City wasted no time in taking a surprise lead, as the two sides shared four goals in the opening 20 minutes of a breathless encounter. Shaun Goater had a huge slice of fortune, as the assistant referee missed a clear offside in the build-up, allowing the forward to head home after two minutes.
Leeds were soon level, after Eirik Bakke toed the ball home after Ian Harte sent a header towards goal. But Ian Bishop restored City’s advantage in the 11th minute with a curling left-footed finish.
Alan Smith of Leeds United
9 Jan 2000: Alan Smith of Leeds United celebrates during the FA Cup Fourth Round match against Manchester City played at Maine Road in Manchester, England. The game finished in a 5-2 win for Leeds. Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford /Allsport
However, this was as good as things got for the home side, as Leeds’ quality soon told. Alan Smith bundled home from close range to give Leeds the lead before Harry Kewell scored just before half-time to give his side a 3-2 lead at the break.
The stage was then set for Bowyer’s brilliant strike, which ended City’s spirited resistance. Arriving at the back post to meet a pull-back from Jason Wilcox, Bowyer hit the ball on the half-volley with his left foot, picking out the top corner perfectly.
Speaking to the BBC after Kewell added Leeds’ fifth, then-City manager Joe Royle tipped Leeds for the title, stating: “Don’t let David O’Leary kid you, his boys can win the championship. I thought they were terrific.”
Five-star Leeds United demolished Man City 25 years ago, what memories that brings back😍
“Don’t let David O’Leary kid you, his boys can win the championship. I thought they were terrific.”
Joe Royle
Leeds United’s record v Man City before and after 2004 relegation
Leeds’ record against Man City can be divided into two distinct periods, as the club’s fortunes diverged in spectacular fashion.
The Whites had the upper hand prior to their first Premier League relegation in 2004, winning six of the 14 meetings between the two sides, with four draws and four Man City wins.
Leeds’ PL record v Man City Played Won Drawn Lost
Pre-2004 relegation 14 6 4 4
Post-2020 Promotion 6 1 1 4
However, since City’s renaissance and Leeds’ struggles, results have tended to go the way of the Citizens.
Guardiola’s side have won their last four games against Leeds, after Marcelo Bielsa went unbeaten in Leeds’ first season back in the top-flight, with one win and one draw.
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