Leeds vs Man City LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Erling Haaland hits a brace
The Premier League’s top goalscorer Erling Haaland starts as Manchester City look to close the gap on leaders Arsenal
Erling Haaland continued his incredible season in front of goal with a double to help Manchester City cruise to a 3-1 victory at Leeds United on Wednesday, ensuring the champions closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points.
The visitors had a hosts of chances in the first half, with Haaland twice denied by fine saves from home goalkeeper Illan Meslier, while England forward Jack Grealish blazed two efforts over from good positions.
It appeared City would go into the interval frustrated, before Spanish midfielder Rodri finally made one count in first half stoppage time, firing home after another Meslier save.
Back in the city of his birth, where his father was a player for Leeds, Norway international Haaland effectively put the game to bed early in the second half with a simple finish, before taking his league tally to 20 for the season in the 64th minute.
Pascal Struijk gave home supporters faint hope of a comeback as he headed home with 17 minutes left, but it was always going to be a consolation against City in this mood.
The victory helped second-placed City move back to within five points Arsenal at the top of the standings, while Leeds stay 15th, two points clear of the relegation zone.
Leeds 1-3 Man City
81 mins: Wilfried Gnonto has been decent for Leeds. He spins on the ball and drives up the pitch before getting shoved to ground by Rodri who earns himself a yellow card.
Free kick to Leeds right outside the penalty area.
Leeds 1-3 Man City
78 mins: Chance! Erling Haaland should have a hat-trick! He’s played in through the middle of the centre-backs and dribbles the ball into the penalty area.
Meslier comes out to close him down once again but the ball gets stuck under Haaland’s feet and his eventual shot is a timid effort that Meslier manages to smother.
Leeds 1-3 Man City
75 mins: 15 minutes left to play at Elland Road and Manchester City are now in game management mode whilst Leeds seek to score again.
Nathan Ake brings the ball down the left channel but is charged down by Joe Gelhardt who forces the ball out of play and wins a throw in.
GOAL! Leeds 1-3 Man City (Struijk, 73’)⚽️
73 mins: It might not be game over after all! Leeds pull a goal back after winning a corner on the left side. Sam Greenwood swings it a lovely cross that reaches Pascal Struijk and the defender places his headed effort perfectly.
It’s wide of Ederson and right in the corner. Leeds have a way back into the game now.
Leeds 0-3 Man City
72 mins: Joe Gelhardt and Diego Llorente are introduced for Leeds with Liam Cooper and Rodrigo going off. Phil Foden is also given a run out and replaces Jack Grealish for Man City.
Grealish heads off with the City contingent chanting his name.
Leeds 0-3 Man City
70 mins: Grealish is played down the left wing by a ball over the top. He looks to cut inside but Klich cynically takes him out and gives him a tap on the head after the winger hits the deck.
Klich is booked and City win a free kick.
Leeds 0-3 Man City
67 mins: There are a couple of changes to talk about. Luke Ayling and Mateusz Klich have come on for Leeds replacing Rasmus Kristensen and Adam Forshaw.
For Man City, Joao Cancelo takes over from Rico Lewis at right back.
GOAL! Leeds 0-3 Man City (Haaland, 64’)⚽️
64 mins: Game over!
Manchester City add a third with another fine move. Kevin De Bruyne is given the ball on the inside right channel and hits a low, pacey pass into the box for Erling Haaland who flicks the ball onto Jack Grealish.
Grealish comes in from the left draws in a couple of defenders then returns the ball to Haaland who sidefoots a powerful shot past Illan Meslier.
Leeds 0-2 Man City
63 mins: Chance for Leeds. Adam Forshaw is taken out just outside the Manchester City penalty area and there’s a chance for someone to shoot.
Sam Greewood and Marc Roca stand over the set piece but it’s Greenwood who hits it and smokes the effort into the wall.
Leeds 0-2 Man City
60 mins: An hour played at Elland Road with Manchester City in cruise control. The Leeds United fans are singing and chanting to encourage their team into a comeback but it’s not happening at the moment.
A long ball comes uo to Rodrigo but he’s unable to control the ball and Manuel Akanji boots it away.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments