Phil Foden scored a stoppage-time winner as Manchester City killed off a Leeds fightback to a snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Struggling Leeds had remarkably fought back from 2-0 down at the interval to level and put themselves in sight of an unlikely and much-needed three points in the Premier League.
That would have eased the pressure on their under-fire manager Daniel Farke but Foden, who had begun the afternoon by scoring inside the opening minute, had other ideas.
As the game went into 10 added minutes, the England midfielder’s low strike found the bottom corner.
The goal was greeted with much relief by the hosts, who had looked comfortable after Josko Gvardiol had added to Foden’s early strike.
Leeds were revived by the half-time introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who pulled one back after a blunder by Matheus Nunes and then won the penalty from which Lukas Nmecha equalised at the second attempt.
The frantic finish contrasted with a first half which City completely dominated.
They needed just 59 seconds to take the lead after Nunes exchanged passes with Bernardo Silva and crossed for Foden to clip a controlled volley over Lucas Perri and in off the bar.
It was a dreadful start for the visitors, who looked vulnerable every time City attacked.
James Justin produced a fine goalline block to deny Foden a second and Nico Gonzalez’s follow-up was deflected behind.
Foden then drew a fine save from Perri from a tight angle and City doubled their lead from the resulting corner.
Perri failed to deal with Tijjani Reijnders’ cross and Gvardiol bundled the ball home from close range. Leeds claimed Perri was impeded by an offside Silva but the goal was given after a lengthy VAR check.
Gonzale
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