Phil Foden guides Manchester City to dramatic win
Phil Foden once again showed the way for a team at risk of slipping up.
Manchester City started with a storm of attacks, scoring two first-half goals to put themselves in control. However, the team lost focus after the break, giving Leeds United a chance to fight back. In the dying moments, Foden stepped up again, his brace securing a dramatic victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
At the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, City won 3-2, with another goal coming from Josko Gvardiol.
After last week’s Premier League loss to Newcastle United (2-1) and Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen (2-0), City celebrated a much-needed victory, also climbing a step higher in the league table.
With 8 wins and 1 draw from 13 matches, City sit second with 25 points. Chelsea have dropped to third with 23 points, having played one match fewer, while Arsenal lead the table with 29 points from 12 matches.
Recovering from the blow of two defeats in three days and especially the disappointing display against Leverkusen, City made a perfect start. In the opening minute, English midfielder Matheus Nunes scored from a left-footed strike after picking up a cross from the right.
City’s attacks grew in intensity, and they quickly doubled their lead in the 25th minute. Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol headed in a corner from Nico O’Riley.
At the start of the second half, Leeds found an opening due to City’s defensive lapses. Despite several chances, City failed to clear, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin capitalized on a loose ball in the box, firing a powerful strike to reduce the deficit.
City had dominated the first half with 14 shots, 6 on target, but lost control after the break. In the 68th minute, they conceded again. Gvardiol’s foul on Calvert-Lewin earned a penalty, and Lucas Mecheer’s first attempt was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, the German forward followed up to level the score.
City seemed on the brink of losing more points, but in the first minute of added time, Foden came alive. Receiving a pass from Erling Haaland in the box, the 25-year-old midfielder weaved through multiple defenders to strike powerfully, restoring the lead and delighting teammates and fans alike.
