Ahead of Saturday’s trip to The Etihad, many were predicting Leeds-born Erling Haaland to put his father’s old side Leeds United to the sword. Man City won, but no thanks to Haaland.
Leeds almost produced the most-unlikely of comebacks at the Etihad after going two goals down in the first half. Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both added to their tally to go 2-2 at The Etihad.
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Manchester City v Leeds United - Premier League
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However, Phil Foden scored late on for City, as Pep Guardiola’s secured a 3-2 win. A lot has been made of Gianluigi Donnarumma going down with a supposed fake injury, so Guardiola could speak to his players.
But Daniel Farke’s side did enough for the German to receive plaudits and at least, keep his job until the game against Chelsea on Wednesday. Erling Haaland was quiet throughout, with Farke praised for that.
Pascal Struijk during Manchester City v Leeds United - Premier League
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Erling Haaland shows he is truly Leeds in front of the away end
Lukas Nmecha praised his teammates for keeping Haaland quiet, joking the “big man” didn’t do much on the day. Many consider Haaland as the world’s best striker at the moment, having scored 19 in 18 games.
But Haaland was born in Leeds, and watched his father Alf Inge play for Leeds before moving to Man City. Indeed, the Leeds connection in Norway is strong, thanks to his old man and iconic midfielder Eirik Bakke.
Leeds Live say Haaland performed the Leeds salute in front of the away fans at The Etihad on Saturday, and images on social media have since captured City star Haaland beating his right fist over his chest.
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STAT – Erling Haaland only had one shot in today’s match. Across all competitions, this is his joint-fewest shots in a home match for Manchester City when playing the full game 👏🏻
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN CITY-LEEDS
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Eirik Bakke claims Erling Haaland would love to play for Leeds
Only eight Norwegian players have played for Leeds, with Bakke the one that made the biggest impact by some way. Kristoffer Klaesson was the last to do so, while ex-Chelsea star Tore Andre Flo also wore white.
Speaking in 2024, Bakke spoke about Haaland and knows the striker well. He claims if it was not for City and Pep Guardiola, Haaland would love to join Leeds. Certainly, Leeds could do with him at the moment.
“When I came over, Erling was born a year after. Leeds has got a special place in his heart. If it wasn’t for Pep Guardiola and Man City, I think he would love to play for Leeds one day. He was born in Leeds.”
But that is hypothetical and the reality is, that Leeds are in real danger of relegation after another defeat and find themselves hosting Chelsea after six losses in seven games, and just 11 points from 13 games.
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