Leeds United delivered a resolute display at Elland Road against Manchester City today as they stunned Guardiola’s men at the very end. Today, at the Etihad, the runaway Premier League leaders suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat versus the ten man visitors.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their exquisite 2-1 win against Manchester City.
Illan Meslier: 8
The youngster looked impressive once again between the sticks as he made some crucial saves, particularly after Cooper’s marching order. His outing was not perfect all the time, but the Frenchman managed to keep his cool throughout.
Luke Ayling: 8.5
Was relentless with his overlapping runs. The right fullback was equally impressive defensively and made things difficult for the Citizens in terms of holding possession and playing their usual passing football.
Diego Llorente: 8
Dealt well with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus as the duo could not cause enough menace with their usual pace, footwork and trickery. Dominated the aerial game and his no-nonsense clearances helped Leeds avoid unforeseen troubles.
Liam Cooper: 6
Started brightly with his leadership traits from the heart of the backline. But a controversial VAR check led to a sending off minutes before the half-time whistle.
Ezgjan Alioski: 8
The Macedonian international did well overall as he offered little in attack but maintained his concentration at the back. Mistimed a few tackles though, that resulted in Man City free-kicks in dangerous positions. Could have stopped a few crosses and cut insides late in the match. However, all his shortcomings got compensated when he set it up brilliantly for Dallas to score an injury-time winner.
Kalvin Phillips: 8.5
Delivered a disciplined display from the ‘hole’ in between the backline and ‘midfield four’. Marshalled the defence with sheer composure ever since Leeds went down to ten men and laid on for Raphinha in the closing minutes which could have been the decider as well.
Raphinha: 7
The Brazilian has been a revelation for the Whites, but he failed to produce a masterclass this afternoon from the right-hand flank. Got denied one-on-one by Ederson minutes before Dallas’ dramatic late winner. Was taken off to be replaced by Jamie Shackleton moments before the final whistle.
Stuart Dallas: 9.5
It has to be the game of his life as the Northern Irishman not only earned them a stunning lead late in the first half but also scored a scintillating late winner to spoil the hosts’ party. Deserves a lot of accolades for his tireless runs and high work ethics all throughout this outrageous outing.
Tyler Roberts: 7
Worked tirelessly in the middle of the park with timely recoveries and key duels. Tried to carry it forward from the deep, utilising his pace and swift movements. Marcelo Bielsa opted to defend the one-goal lead with a man down at the Etihad and decided to take the Welshman off midway through the second half. Robin Koch replaced him for the remainder of the contest.
Helder Costa: 7.5
Started in place of Jack Harrison, who was not eligible to feature against his parent club. The Portuguese wide man did exceptionally well in the build-up of Dallas’ opener and looked menacing with his pace and power while staging counter-attacks.
Patrick Bamford: 7
Did not have many touches before being sacrificed for Struijk soon after Cooper’s dismissal. Yet he played his part while assisting Dallas to make it 1-0 against the run.
Leeds United Substitutes Vs Manchester City
Pascal Struijk: 7
Performed his defensive duties under immense pressure and came out victorious.
Robin Koch: 7
Performed his defensive duties under immense pressure and came out victorious.
Jamie Shackleton: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
