Foden Strikes Late as Man City Edge Leeds in Tense Premier League Clash | OneFootball

Man City Pressure Intensifies After Dramatic Win Over Leeds

Phil Foden delivered the decisive touch once again as Man City edged past Leeds in a match that offered far more tension than the early stages suggested. What appeared to be a comfortable afternoon at the Etihad shifted into something far more fraught, with the champions forced to rely on late intervention to secure a vital win.

Fast Start Sets Early Tone

Man City struck inside the opening minute as Phil Foden guided in Matheus Nunes’s cross, a move crafted with the sort of clarity and sharpness that has long defined City’s attacking rhythm. By the 25th minute the advantage increased when Josko Gvardiol reacted sharply to turn in a loose ball, despite Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri protesting that he had been impeded.

At that stage, City moved with complete assurance and Leeds appeared overwhelmed, struggling to sustain possession and offering little sign of resistance. Daniel Farke’s side sank deeper and relied heavily on Perri, who produced several important stops to prevent the scoreline from running away.

Leeds Fightback Shifts Momentum

The second half unfolded with a different energy. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the bench and instantly unsettled City’s back line. His presence brought urgency and, shortly after his introduction, he reacted to a deflection off Nunes and poked Leeds back into the contest.The momentum turned further when Calvert-Lewin was fouled by Gvardiol inside the box. Lukas Nmecha stepped up, saw his first effort saved and then finished the rebound, injecting belief into the travelling support. For a brief spell Leeds sensed the possibility of their first away win since 20 September.

Foden Delivers Late Relief

Erling Haaland’s wait for his 100th Premier League goal continued, although the focus increasingly shifted to the player who had opened the scoring. As stoppage time arrived and City pushed with growing urgency, Foden found space on the left-hand side of the area and delivered a precise low finish into the far corner.

His composure restored control and lifted City into second in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Arsenal. For Leeds, this marked a sixth defeat in seven league matches, although their second half spirit offered something to build upon.