Manchester City took an important step toward defending their Championship crown with an emphatic win against Leeds at Etihad.

After 25 minutes, it appeared as though Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling would dominate, before Gundogan scored another goal to give their side an early edge.

Leeds came out firing after half time as Haaland hit the bar and Julian Alvarez sent in shots that narrowly missed.

Goals

With Manchester City already leading and second-placed Liverpool unavailable to play, Pep Guardiola had an opportunity to create an even greater advantage for his side against Liverpool. Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring after only six minutes from Riyad Mahrez’s cross. Gundogan nodded home from close range.

After halftime, City was back into their stride almost seamlessly; Rodri added another corner-kick goal before Gabriel Jesus made it five on 84 minutes. There were some scares; Erling Haaland appeared poised to score but his header struck against the bar instead before Joel Robles saved from Norway striker Erling Haaland.

Kompany’s long-range strike was the perfect way for Manchester City to seal victory; yet Leicester fought valiantly throughout. They earned themselves an important point from this contest and will go into their next match with increased confidence.

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Chances

Manchester City were on track for an easy victory after Ilkay Gundogan scored two goals against Leeds’s relegation bid, but had to endure an anxious late stretch at Etihad Stadium after Rodrigo scored against former employers Rodrigo and Rodrigo both scored against former Leeds employers in Sam Allardyce’s inaugural game as manager. Nonetheless, Manchester City secured victory and moved up a place in second-place behind Reading after their last round defeats of Hull and Southampton respectively.

Gundogan misses an ideal free-kick from close range, yet still has multiple chances to add another goal before the first half is completed. As his side increase their pace in the second half, they continue to crack open the visiting defence.

Aymeric Laporte headed in Mahrez’s corner to restore City’s lead and Sterling finished off Ruben Dias’ knockdown late on, though Gundogan fell victim to injury himself when clutching his groin before having to be replaced by Ferran Torres – leaving Pep Guardiola concerned ahead of Everton on Tuesday.

Info: Kooralive

Goalkeepers

Erling Haaland made an immediate mark in his first start for Manchester City when he burst through from behind and unleashed an audacious long-range strike, leaving Kasper Schmeichel helpless to stop it.

Pep Guardiola’s side were on course to defeat Leicester with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling sealing victory, seemingly taking advantage of an undermanned Leicester defence to win comfortably 3-0. Yet Leicester kept fighting hard.

Mikel Arteta made four changes in order to counter City’s attacking talent and soon found themselves trailing. Jesus’s cross was nodded home by Gundogan on 11 minutes before Leno saved his effort and set in motion the champions who quickly built on their lead; Laporte nodded home from Riyad Mahrez corner and Sterling capitalised when Ruben Dias launched a knockdown from outside. They soon had three goals in front and Mikel Arteta could do nothing about it as City ran out of time before halftime came around with no chance to defend against Arteta before halftime as City took advantage.

Injury time

While City were widely expected to dominate Leeds with their scintillating attack, it was actually Leeds who took an unlikely lead. Laporte rose to meet Riyad Mahrez’s corner kick and score; later Sterling made sure he was there when Ruben Dias delivered an illegal clearance off-ball before halftime.

City started the second half more measuredly than their opponent but still caused problems. Erling Haaland’s shot against the bar and Gundogan’s shots over from close range were signs that this wasn’t just any ordinary Championship match.

Rodrigo provided some late drama with a stunning volley for the visitors but City managed to pull ahead comfortably despite that scare, remaining four points ahead of their nearest competitors and continuing to lead by four goals at the top of the league table. If City are to secure yet another championship they must improve defensive displays but it seems they possess all of the talent to achieve that aim.

Source: Kora live