Phil Foden scored twice as Manchester City made up ground in the Premier League title race after almost blowing a two-goal lead against strugglers Leeds.
The result moves City up to second in the table after Saturday’s 3pm kick-offs, four points behind leaders Arsenal, while it is a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches for Leeds.
However, it was anything but the routine victory anticipated when Foden scored the first of his brace with just 59 seconds on the clock.
City were in total control as the England international steered in Matheus Nunes’ cross and Josko Gvardiol doubled their advantage in the 25th minute.
And against Leeds side seemingly incapable of keeping the ball long enough to launch a meaningful attack, it looked as though Daniel Farke’s side were in damage-limitation territory.
Only some excellent goalkeeping from Lucas Perri – who complained he was being obstructed in the build-up to Gvardiol’s goal – kept the visitors in the contest.
However, after the break the introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin galvanised Leeds and he poked home after Nunes diverted the ball into his path.
When Lukas Nmecha converted his second attempt from the penalty spot after Calvert-Lewin had been fouled by City’s Croatian centre-back Gvardiol, the visitors’ hopes of an unlikely first away win since 20 September were briefly raised.
But on a day when Erling Haaland was made to wait for his 100th Premier League goal, Foden instead came to City’s rescue with an unerring left-foot finish into the bottom left corner in stoppage time.
Man City analysis: Foden saves the day
With 90 minutes on the clock, Guardiola’s City side were six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
City were also level on points with Chelsea, with both London clubs having a game in hand.
Home frustration was growing with every attack that was repelled and Leeds were looking good for a remarkable point against opponents that many see as the Gunners’ most likely long-term title rivals.
And then Foden provided the sort of moment that underlined his ability to change a game and result in an instant.
Under pressure in the penalty area the England international, who was excellent throughout, did not rush and delivered the coup de grace to allow City to bounce back with a victory following consecutive defeats.
While there will still be question marks over City’s credentials when it comes to mounting a realistic challenge to Arsenal, given the way they failed to cope with Leeds’ more direct approach, Foden ensured that debate will be for another day.
