Leeds edged out in five-goal thriller - but former Whites hail “magnificent” fight | OneFootball

Leeds United fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday, but a superb second-half comeback from Daniel Farke’s side earned widespread praise despite Phil Foden’s late winner.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Leeds hit back through Dominic Calvert-Lewin and former City striker Lukas Nmecha after a switch to a 3-5-2 formation transformed the contest, pushing Pep Guardiola's side all the way.

Former Leeds United players Michael Bridges, Dominic Matteo and Tony Dorigo were united in their admiration for the spirit, tactical shift and quality shown in the second half.

Bridges: “So many positives… something we can build on”

Former Leeds striker Michael Bridges hailed the galvanising impact of the half-time changes.

“What a second half, the way the players galvanised and got back into the game, really putting City on the back foot, it was very impressive.

“There were so many positives to take out of that second half performance, with that system, that style of play, I think that’s something we can build on against Chelsea and Liverpool.”

Bridges singled out Joe Rodon’s role in balancing City’s midfield overload.

“City were getting that numerical advantage with O’Reilly coming inside, Foden roaming, Silva in there… we had to get more defensive-minded players in. Joe Rodon in the second half was releasing himself from that back line to make that extra number.”

“I thought the lads showed character, resolve, and an understanding of how to take on information and play in a system that suited them.”

Matteo: “Fans will appreciate that”

Former defender Dominic Matteo felt the response embodied what supporters expect.

“I think the fans will appreciate that. I know we didn’t get the result, but there was so much good to take out of that second half. At 2-0 down we’re thinking the worst, but he made the changes.”

“Three at the back looked really good. It might not work every game, but it worked well for us.”

Matteo praised the improved composure after the break.

“We looked so much more fluent on the ball, we kept it so much better in the second half. The first half we were a bit sloppy and City were putting the pressure on, but they took their foot off the gas and we took advantage.”

Dorigo: “One hell of a performance”

Watching from the Etihad press box in his role as co-commentator for LUTV, Tony Dorigo was equally impressed by the intensity of the comeback.

“I thought the second half performance was magnificent, a change of formation, attitude and fight. We mixed it in the right areas, went a bit more direct, got our rewards and had them rocking.”

City’s bench ultimately made the difference, Dorigo admitted.

“With the quality they had on the bench, you thought they’d get a chance and unfortunately Foden stuck it away.”

But he believes the display can be a springboard.

“I hope we take that level of performance into the next game and the rest of the season, that was one hell of a performance in the second half.”

Watch Matchday Live: The Verdict