It might have been an excellent performance, one of courage and heart after such a poor start, but Leeds United’s defeat to Man City is still a sixth loss in seven Premier League games.
Phil Foden’s 90th-minute strike and second of the game secured all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side, who were pushed right to the limit on Saturday afternoon. At least for Leeds, Burnley lost once again.
Who was your Leeds MOTM against Manchester City?
Manchester City v Leeds United - Premier League
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Leeds were woeful in the first half. Foden had opened the scoring after two minutes, and Josko Gvardiol made it two before the half-hour mark. However, Leeds responded in the second half and scored twice.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha both netted goals for Leeds as Daniel Farke’s side came from two goals down at The Etihad to draw level. An incredible effort for a newly-promoted side out of form.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin during Leeds' defeat to City.
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The Leeds United dressing room’s mood after Man City defeat
Foden scored a second late on and it will have left the Leeds players feeling deflated after such a huge effort, while also posing as a reminder that it was another defeat, a fourth loss in four games for Farke.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Calvert-Lewin echoed that. He said that the Leeds dressing room spoke after the game and the reaction was a “mixed” one, having failed to take anything home.
“There have been mixed conversations [in the dressing room]. We can be proud of how we performed in the second half, but frustrated at the same time. We worked hard so hard get into a good position.
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“2-0 down at the Etihad is a long way back but we did it but they have got good players that ultimately punished us in one single moment. We went more direct and more brave in possession,” he summarised.
“We played forward with confidence. When you get into those positions, you have to go off instincts. I knew I was in a good position and then put it in the net,” Calvert-Lewin continued, after Leeds’ defeat.
Positives, but Daniel Farke’s job is now hanging by a thread
There are huge positives to take from Saturday’s defeat. Before the game, Graham Smyth said the Leeds players were still playing for Farke and that certainly proved to be the case against Pep Guardiola’s men.
However, it is six losses in seven for Leeds now and the club’s position in the bottom three is not only a reality now, but it is becoming cemented. The 49ers know something needs to give to improve things.
A performance to be proud of after that first-half showing! Relive what turned out to be a frustrating afternoon here 😤
Whether that is Farke turning things around, or a change in manager, remains to be seen. Chelsea at Elland Road is next, and defeat to Enzo Maresca’s men will certainly have fans calling for a new gaffer.
Especially, with Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou being strongly linked with the hotseat. It is even claimed that Rodgers is keen on a move to Leeds. So, all eyes on Wednesday night at Elland Road.
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