Man City turn into Stoke City to dig out Leeds win and thwart Liverpool FC

Pep Guardiola’s brilliant Manchester City team momentarily morphed into Tony Pulis’ Stoke City to reclaim top spot in the thrilling Premier League title race. From hitting the heights of fluid, attacking football against Real Madrid in midweek, the Blues resorted to the rustic attributes of defending with grit, sticking your head in the way of everything, and punishing the opposition from set-pieces.

Rodri and Nathan Ake scored the crucial goals, from a free-kick and a corner by Phil Foden, on a raw, rugged, red-blooded day in Yorkshire. Then Gabriel Jesus made it six goals in three games by sweeping home another meticulous pass from Foden before Fernandinho made a bigger hole in Liverpool’s superior goal difference with a late drive.

That was the perfect response to Liverpool’s win at Newcastle hours earlier that had sent Jurgen Klopp’s side leapfrogging above them into top spot. Liverpool had not been convincing at St James’ Park but got the job done, no doubt feeling the hangover from their Champions League exertions in midweek.

ALSO READ:Man City player ratings

And days after their high-octane clash with Real Madrid, a City team with five changes had to face a team wearing a similar all-white strip, but very different in approach to the Spanish aristocrats. They made City battle every inch of the way, on a day for big, brave defenders and making the most of set plays.

But for long periods it was never less than nervy. Early in the game City looked like they were about to have a Steven Gerrard moment in the title race, as Joao Cancelo fielded the ball on halfway following a Blue corner. Just like the Liverpool skipper fatefully did against Chelsea in 2014, Cancelo slipped and sent striker Rodrigo streaking towards the