Match Report & Player Ratings: Leeds United 0-1 Manchester City (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City moved three points closer to Premier League leaders Arsenal after Antoine Semenyo’s solitary goal earned a vital 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening.

A heavy defeat to the league leaders at the end of January was the start of an impressive run for Daniel Farke’s side, including back-to-back draws with Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively – but Pep Guardiola’s group proved to be too much to handle on an important night for the visitors.

Semenyo’s 45+2nd minute strike was the deciding factor on whether the points ended, but it was never easy for City in the end granted Leeds applied the pressure late on, which eventually ended in Farke seeing red for dissent.

After 88 minutes, Jaka Bijol nearly equalised from a corner when he steered his header towards the far corner but with Gianluigi Donnarumma well-beaten, the ball drifted narrowly past the Italian’s right-hand post.

Earlier, the hosts could have taken the lead through a series of first-half chances. In the 39th minute, Aaronson was played through on a counter by Anton Stach but failed to sweep the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma, guarding City’s net. 

What preceded those opportunities were earlier shots from James Justin and Brenden Aaronson once more, the latter requiring crucial intervention from Marc Guehi, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin had his fair share of possibility as well. 

After three minutes, amid a period where crosses and shots were flying everywhere in City’s defensive third, Calvert-Lewin got onto the end of a Jayden Bogle cross but guided it inches wide of the left-hand post. Less than 15 minutes later, with his back to goal on the left side of the box, a low strike escaped Guehi and nearly trickled into the far corner.

Without Erling Haaland in the squad due to a ‘little injury’ according to Guardiola, it was no surprise to see Pep Guardiola’s side get there first convincing chance on goal after 40 minutes, and it came through Nico O’Reilly who tested Karl Darlow with a bullet header from close range on the back of a delivery from Matheus Nunes.

Despite only recording one loss in their last 27 games against newly-promoted opposition, albeit that defeat coming at the hands of Leeds, City struggled to get into the game but showed the strong mentality they have that is rather ominous to Arsenal. In first-half stoppage time, Semenyo gave City the lead.

Since his arrival to the Etihad Stadium in January, the £65 million attacker has become one of Guardiola’s most prized players and proved once again here that he is worth every penny club bosses spent to recruit him from Bournemouth midway through the campaign.

The Ghanian’s goal, a simple finish on the back of a low and fast pass across the box from Rayan Ait-Nouri, marked his sixth in all competitions for the Blues – having now scored in more games than he has not since his arrival. 

A dispiriting opener of the like didn’t break Leeds’ spirit but their threat was nullified and couldn’t match what they produced in the first period. Instead, Guardiola’s side continued to improve and after a short blemish, where Calvert-Lewin was blocked by Nunes, it was a surprise that a second never came for the visitors.

After 71 minutes, Rodri and Rayan Cherki linked up finely before a direct pass from the latter shot into Semenyo’s feet where, moments later, the forward’s effort was blocked by Pascal Struijk.

Only a minute later, from the subsequent corner, Guehi nearly got his name on the scoresheet but was denied by Darlow who, not for the first time, pulled off a remarkable save to keep City at bay again. Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from their 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road!

Starting XI

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6.5

Denied Aaronson on the fast break and moved quickly, and carefully, off his line to prevent an opener from Leeds. He was also tested earlier by James Justin, but that save was a comfortable one.

Matheus Nunes – 7.5

Delivered multiple crosses into the box and was one of City’s best players at Elland Road on Saturday evening. Lunged ahead of Calvert-Lewin just after half-time to deny what appeared to be very threatening chance for the striker.

Marc Guehi – 7.5

Dealt with Calvert-Lewin in the early stages phenomenally and it begs the question as to whether or not City would have escaped the early onslaught from Leeds if the defender wasn’t in Pep Guardiola’s line-up. By far the strongest of City’s defenders here. 

Ruben Dias – 7

Gelled impressively with Guehi to make for a strong defence and although a rough start initially raised doubt amongst those in the away end, two solid performances didn’t let the travelling fans down.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7.5

Made a few sloppy decisions in the opening stages and struggled to absorb Leeds’ press as much as his fellow defenders. However, he was progressive and became more suited to this clash, delivering the assist for Semenyo’s opener.

Nico O’Reilly – 7

Took the momentum that he gained from an individual standpoint against Newcastle and left that on the pitch here. An incredible chance after 40 minutes when heading close range. He’s the epitome of versatile. 

Rodri – 7

Played a pivotal role in suppressing Leeds’ early aggression and managed to lead an overall shift in momentum. Never seemed to detach from the in-possession football that City played and was constantly making important challenges on the inside. 

Bernardo Silva – 6.5

Was booed by the majority after being kicked in the first half, yet only used that as fuel for another important and helpful performance in the midfield. He found passes in tight-knit scenarios and one again surprised many with his physical ability.

Rayan Cherki – 8 (POTM)

As ever, he worked tirelessly and was hugely influential in attack, creating chances. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had the most touches of anyone on the pitch prior to his substitution as he roamed all over in what seemed to be his strongest role.

Antoine Semenyo – 7.5

Another game and another goal. He is proving to be worth every single penny of the £65 million City paid for him, and more. Not the flashiest of conversions yet one that takes great judgement in where to be at the right times.

Omar Marmoush – 6.5

Moved fluidly in attack and didn’t stick to one real position at the top of the pitch, but it worked. There was no Haaland and in some ways, he was dearly missed. Yet this performance was a reminder that adapting to different styles works. 

Substitutes

Nathan Ake – 5

Came on with hardly any time to play, therefore any rating isn’t naturally fair. 

Savinho – 5.5

Great to see him return after an extended period off the pitch. Hopefully he can build on the minutes he’s played here and return to full fitness in due course. 

Tijjani Reijnders – 5.5

Came on with 20 minutes left and didn’t put a foot wrong. Dealt with Leeds’ midfield threat well in the final moments.