Manchester City 3–2 Leeds Player Ratings: Foden’s Double Sparks Dramatic Victory! | OneFootball

The Etihad theatre served up a proper Premier League rollercoaster—one minute you’re perched in your seat sipping confidence, the next you’re clinging on as balls fly and emotions ricochet. Manchester City looked comfortable after a clinical first half, only for Leeds to roar back with ferocious second-half energy: a saved penalty, a rebound finish, and a late nervy finale. Then, in stoppage time, Phil Foden produced a moment of pure quality to seal a 3-2 escape. Tactical intent, slices of madness, and individual brilliance were all present—all the ingredients of those matches people will quote for weeks.

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Manchester City—Player Ratings (/10)

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7

Commanding presence, big penalty save that should have sealed the game. Unlucky that the rebound fell in; decent distribution and presence in goal when City needed calm. Needs to be cautious on the yellow cards, though.

Josko Gvardiol – 6

A match of extremes: superbly alert to get into the box and score, then culpable for a clumsy foul that led to a concession. Athletic, forward-thinking defender who sometimes forgets the defensive script.

Rúben Dias – 6.5

Solid on the ball and steady when called on. Quietly did the necessary defensive work, but the backline got stretched more than you’d expect with his experience on display rather than domination.

Matheus Nunes – 5.5

Bright start—assist for the opener—but his influence faded. A costly error that swung momentum towards Leeds and a yellow to boot; an afternoon of promise marred by an unlucky tumble.

Nico O’Reilly – 7

Impressed with energy and invention. Supplied the clever touch for Gvardiol’s goal and kept the flank buzzing. Solid defensively and offered real attacking balance.

Phil Foden – 9 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Two decisive strikes—the opener to set the tone and a stoppage-time winner of jaw-dropping quality. Always looking for the dangerous line, composed under pressure, and willing to take responsibility. When the game tipped toward chaos, Foden produced technique, timing, and temperament. A late-match virtuoso who turned an emotional game into a City win.

Bernardo Silva – 6

Steady but muted. Worked hard and kept possession moving but didn’t find the killer passes or sparkle that his role sometimes demands.

Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5

Busy, industrious, and willing to drive forward. Created moments and linked play well; offered good energy before being subbed for freshness.

Nico González – 7

A combative, practical presence—seven recoveries and disciplined spatial work. Did the dirty jobs that let more advanced players shine.

Jérémy Doku – 7

A mix of menace and occasional waste. His speed, take-ons, and whipping crosses caused Leeds problems; he needed tidy decision-making but was dangerous in transition.

Erling Haaland – 6

A quiet day by his standards: limited touches and not the usual goal threat. City still managed to get the result without his peak output. He’ll be back.

Subs

Rayan Cherki—6 (added fresh legs).

Omar Marmoush – N/A (brief cameo).

John Stones—N/A (used to help lock the game out).

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Leeds United—Player Ratings (/10)

Lucas Perri – 6.5

Kept Leeds in the fight with a couple of good stops. Solid handling of urgency and a confident presence late on.

Jayden Bogle – 5.5

Worked hard up and down the flank but was sometimes overexposed when City switched play. Moments of energy without a consistent end product.

Joe Roden – 6

Organised at the back and competent in duels. Leeds relied on resolute defending, and he delivered his share.

Pascal Struijk – 6

Sensible, physical and tidy. Did well to keep Haaland reasonably quiet and tracked runners when needed.

James Justin – 6.5

Offered width and discipline, combining well in transitions. One of Leeds’ steadier performers.

AO Tanaka – 4

Struggled to impact midfield exchanges and was often isolated. A quiet afternoon that Leeds couldn’t afford when chasing momentum.

Ethan Ampadu – 5.5

Worked to disrupt City’s rhythm but lacked consistent influence on the ball to push Leeds through the press.

Ilia Gruev – 6.5

Drove the midfield with energy and helped spark Leeds’ comeback early in the second half. A physical presence who offered a bite.

Daniel James – 5.5

Lightning in bursts but limited end product. Tended to run into traffic rather than create clear chances.

Lukas Nmecha – 6.5

Quick to react and clinical with rebound finish after the penalty save – showed poacher’s instincts and belief. A vital reaction that breathed life into Leeds’ comeback.

Wilfried Gnonto – 5.5

Some bright moments but inconsistent. Frustration at times when Leeds needed a cutting edge.

Subs

Brenden Aaronsen – 5 (little impact).

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 8 (game-changer): came off the bench and immediately lifted Leeds’ presence – energy, aerial threat and an example of impact substitution.

Gabriel Gudmundsson – 6,

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MAN OF THE MATCH – PHIL FODEN