Phil Foden struck deep into injury time to rescue Manchester City from a shock collapse at the Etihad, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory over a spirited Leeds United side who came agonisingly close to pulling off a famous result.
After coasting to a 2–0 first-half lead through Foden and Josko Gvardiol, City looked set for a routine afternoon. But a second-half resurgence from Daniel Farke’s men - led by substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha - brought Leeds level before Foden’s late moment of magic spared Pep Guardiola’s blushes.
It was a chaotic and compelling contest that saw City briefly lose their grip on control, Leeds show immense fight, and yet the Premier League champions still find a way to grind out three crucial points in their pursuit of Arsenal.
Story Of The Match
Team News
Pep Guardiola made two changes from the midweek Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, with Tijjani Reijnders starting ahead of Rayan Cherki and Josko Gvardiol retaining his place in defence.
For Leeds, Daniel Farke made four changes - James Justin, Ilia Gruev, Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto all came into the starting XI as the visitors looked to inject pace and energy into their setup.
Foden Fires City Ahead
City wasted no time asserting dominance. Within the opening minute, Phil Foden opened the scoring with a stunning cushioned volley off the crossbar following fine work down the right from Matheus Nunes.
Leeds struggled to settle, and only a crucial block from James Justin denied Foden a second after sustained City pressure. But from the ensuing corner, Josko Gvardiol doubled the lead on 25 minutes, reacting quickest to a loose header from O’Reilly to bundle home past a stranded Lucas Perri.
VAR delayed celebrations for a possible offside, but the goal stood — the correct call, albeit after a frustratingly long check.
Leeds’ first-half openings were fleeting, though **Daniel James**’ pace gave them brief hope in transition. Lukas Nmecha fired over their best chance of the half after good link-up from Gnonto, but the hosts went into the break cruising at 2–0.
Calvert-Lewin Sparks A Comeback
Daniel Farke turned to his bench at half-time - introducing Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin - and the impact was immediate.
Just four minutes into the second half, Calvert-Lewin pounced on sloppy City play, spinning away from Nunes before slotting calmly into the bottom corner. The Leeds striker’s physicality changed the game entirely, unsettling the City defence and sparking belief in the visitors.
That belief turned to pure optimism in the 66th minute when Leeds won a penalty - Gvardiol clumsily bringing down Calvert-Lewin after a looping header from Jayden Bogle. Lukas Nmecha saw his initial effort saved by Donnarumma but reacted quickest to bury the rebound, sending the away end into delirium.
Late Drama & Heartbreak
From there, Leeds dug deep, defending bravely as City poured forward. Substitute Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku both came close, while Calvert-Lewin and Ao Tanaka continued to press high and frustrate.
But in stoppage time, City’s relentless pressure finally told. In the 91st minute, Foden found half a yard of space amid a crowded box to bend a sublime left-footed strike beyond Perri.
Leeds threw everything forward in the dying minutes, but despite Gudmundsson’s dangerous crosses and Calvert-Lewin’s battling presence, it wasn’t to be.
Foden’s double proved decisive, and while Guardiola’s men celebrated relief, Farke’s players were left shattered after coming so close to a statement result.
What This Means
For Manchester City, it’s a much-needed response to a turbulent week that saw back-to-back defeats across competitions. The three points keep them firmly in the title race - but questions remain about their defensive frailties.
For Leeds, the defeat leaves them in the relegation zone, yet this was a performance that earned the respect of their travelling support. Farke’s side showed spirit, tactical adaptability, and flashes of real quality - reasons to believe that better days may yet come.
Player of the Match - Phil Foden
Two superb goals, endless energy, and a touch of genius when it mattered most. Foden’s clinical finishing and ability to produce in key moments proved the difference - a match-winner in every sense.