Guardiola delight as Manchester City regain top spot with win at Leeds

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was thrilled after his side edged their noses back in front of Liverpool in the Premier League title race with a 4-0 win at Leeds.

Rodri headed City into a half-time lead and further goals in the second period from Nathan Ake, Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho lifted them back to the top of the table.

Guardiola made five changes after his side’s midweek Champions League win against Real Madrid, but it made little difference as they marched on in defence of their domestic crown.

"We knew coming here the way they play, we suffered a lot in the first half. But in the end we had control and could have scored more. An incredible result for us," Guardiola told Sky Sports.

"They are so fast up front. Today was so important to make our chances to be champions again.

"We defended well and sometimes these type of games set-pieces become so important.

"We have five games to go, potentially six until the end of the season. I prefer to feel less pressure than I am feeling. It is a long season and this is the last effort."

City secured a third straight league win for the first time in 2022, but it was not the walk in the park the scoreline would suggest against an embattled Leeds side hungry for points in their fight to beat the drop.

Leeds were much-improved following Monday’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace, but their first league defeat in six games leaves them one place and five points above third-bottom Everton, who have two games in hand.

City were almost caught cold in the opening minutes when Rodrigo raced unopposed from halfway after a slip by Joao Cancelo, but Ilkay Gundogan rescued his team-mate with a vital block in the box.

Leeds had been dealt another injury blow before kick-off when