Manchester City won a decisive victory at Elland Road to consolidate their position at the top. It was the two set-pieces which was the talking point in Saturday’s game against Leeds at Elland Road. The atmosphere at Elland road was quite nervy and the home fans supported their team to the fullest. This consequently, led to a mistake by Joao Cancelao who played a wrong pass onto Rodrigo.
However, the Spaniard was unable to capitalize on that chance as his shot was blocked by Iker Gundogan. City’s response came just 10 minutes after this incident when Rodri sent the away fans roaring with his calm and composed header into Leeds’ goal.
The first half saw a number of fouls and it heightened when Aymeric Laporte and Robin Koch was engaged in a dangerous clash. The play was halted for nearly two minutes to treat the aforementioned players. There was another injury which stretched the first half. Stuart Dallas got himself injured in the process of fouling Jack Grealish. He then had to be stretchered off the field.
However, City got some breathing space just after the start of the second half. A brilliant freekick by Nathan Ake gave City a two-goal cushion over Leeds. The last two goals came in the last fifteen minutes, when Gabriel Jesus scored from a brilliant Phil Foden pass before Fernandinho completed the rout.
MANCHESTER CITY PLAYER RATINGS
Ederson 7/10
Leeds was unable to test him throughout the match. However, in the closing minutes he pulled off a good save with his leg.
Joao Cancelao 5/10
Almost was on the verge of gifting Leeds an early goal. However, he setup a good chance for Jesus. Again he spoiled a good opportunity to score in the closing minutes of the match and then made a crucial block.
Ruben Dias 7/10
Was robust in his defence and was able to keep a clean sheet for City.
Aymeric Laporte 7/10
Again a dominating presence in the defence. Pulled off a great block after seventy minutes to hold on to the cleansheet.
Nathan Ake 8/10
A fabulous performance from him in the left back. Scored a wonderful goal from the freekick.
Rodri 8/10
Scored a beautiful header to extend their lead. Moreover, kept the midfield with great vigour.
Iker Gundogan 7/10
Blocked the shot from Rodrigo in the first half to deny Leeds their first goal. Was close to scoring a beautiful goal. Made some good passes.
Phil Foden 8/10
Was again on top of his game. Made an excellent assist for Rodri’s header. Then he made the perfect pass to Jesus on the way to scoring the third goal for City.
Raheem Sterling 6/10
Looked sharp with his dribbling. However, he should have finished a chance that came to him in the first half.
Gabriel Jesus 7/10
He was close to scoring in the first but bad finishing let him down. However, he made no mistake while scoring the third goal late on for City.
Jack Grealish 5/10
Not a dominating performance by the winger. Was engaged in quite some fouls. Moreover, he floundered an easy chance in the first half.
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