The term ‘a game of two halves’ was truly epitomised on Saturday as Leeds United took on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Daniel Farke saw his side concede after just 59 seconds and again in the 25th minute as Leeds trailed 2-0 at the interval, only to be level after 68 minutes thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.
Unfortunately, Phil Foden snatched all three points with a strike in the 91st minute.
Farke experimented by finally fielding Dan James and Willy Gnonto together – something fans have been desperate to see – but it backfired as both were withdrawn at the interval.
It was an enthralling match which suggests the Leeds squad are still fighting for the German, and Leeds United News have now assessed the performance of every player involved in the draw.
Leeds United player ratings as Manchester City inflict further misery on Daniel Farke
Lucas Perri – 4
The Brazilian had little to do despite coming up against a man who is arguably the best striker around in Erling Haaland. A steady performance after facing criticism for his goalkeeping against Aston Villa last time out.
James Justin – 6
An impressive display from the England international after coming in for Gabriel Gudmundsson at left-back.
Who was your Leeds MOTM against Manchester City?
Pascal Struijk – 3
The Dutchman appeared to lack urgency and motivation in the first half but grew into the game once Jaka Bijol joined him and Joe Rodon in defence. Escaped one nervy moment after slicing a clearance right next to his own goal.
Joe Rodon – 6
Solid as ever from the Wales international. Was aggressive in his duels and ensured Leeds had a foundation to mount a comeback.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Another impressive display from Jayden Bogle after standing out against Aston Villa last week. The Leeds No.2 played the teasing ball which led to Calvert-Lewin winning a penalty for Nmecha to equalise.
Ilia Gruev – 5
A quiet but respectable performance from the Bulgarian in just his third Premier League start of the season. Came in due to injuries to Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, didn’t look out of place against Pep Guardiola’s superstars.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
A typically committed display from the Leeds skipper. Showed his bravery by sticking his face in the way of a Nico O’Reilly cross which truly knocked him for six and left the Wales international needing treatment.
Ao Tanaka – 6
After Farke upset Ao Tanaka against Aston Villa, it was a mature display from the Japan international, who showed no signs of lingering sadness from being subbed on and off again last time out.
Willy Gnonto – 4
A rare start for Gnonto ended at the interval. Looked bright on the attack but struggled to impose himself physically. Could have been more alive to the move which saw Foden open the scoring.
STAT: Phil Foden scored after just 0:59, the fastest goal in the Premier League this season.
Lukas Nmecha – 7
Three goals in three Premier League games for the German now. Nmecha seems to be finding his groove at Leeds and worked tirelessly all afternoon.
Dan James – 5
Like Gnonto, James struggled to get involved as Manchester City dominated the opening 45 minutes. Was hooked at the interval, but still impressed with his darting runs in behind, which often went unnoticed by his teammates.
Substitutes
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9 (Came on at half time for Dan James)
Man of the Match for Leeds. Calvert-Lewin played like a man eager to win his place back from Nmecha, making an almost immediate impact by scoring in the 49th minute and won the penalty for the equaliser.
Jaka Bijol – 5 (Came on at half time for Willy Gnonto)
Bijol helped to solidify the defence after a shaky first half. Steady but unspectacular display. His impact will surely have Farke considering a five at the back system next time out against Chelsea.
Daniel Farke needs to get a grip of his players 😤
“We’ve just seen an incident where Pascal Struijk was in absolutely no rush to pick the ball up and roll it back to his goalkeeper to get on with the game. His team are losing – and yet he seems content with going in 2-0 down. Very odd.”
Chris Sutton on BBC live blog
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 4 (Came on for James Justin in 69th minute)
Was involved in some promising attacks after coming on in the 69th minute, and showed great desire to get forward despite lacking end product at times.
Noah Okafor – N/A (Came on for Lukas Nmecha in the 82nd minute)
Hardly got involved on the left flank after replacing Nmecha. Needs to do more to impress Farke.
Brenden Aaronson – N/A (Came on in 91st minute for Ao Tanaka)
Farke finally dropped Aaronson after criticism from fans. The American barely touched the ball after coming on in stoppage time.
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