Premier League analysis: Five key points from Leeds United vs Man City
Manchester City got a narrow but important 1-0 over Leeds United at Elland Road at the weekend, moving in closer to league leaders Arsenal.
Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time, with Leeds having some strong early chances - Dominic Calvert-Lewin had the best chance to score for Leeds United but wasn’t able to convert.
Despite missing Erling Haaland, Man City held firm to claim all three points.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Tyler Cooke gives his thoughts on the game.
Haaland misses fixture against his hometown
Erling Haaland didn’t make the squad for the Leeds United game at Elland Road on Saturday night.
It emerged that the Norway international picked up a minor injury in training, meaning the striker shouldn’t be out for too long.
Pep Guardiola changed his formation, playing both Omar Marmoush and January signing Antoine Semenyo - who netted the only goal of the game.
When asked if Haaland will be back for the Nottingham Forest game, Guardiola said: “I don’t have the answer right now. He was not ready but we have four days before Nottingham Forest.”
Leeds missed out on HUGE opportunities
Leeds United were able to pile the pressure onto Man City but were wasteful in front of goal.
In the early stages of the game Leeds dominated possession and created several chances, with the big main chances coming from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brendon Aaronson, who both simply failed to convert their opportunities into goals.
With Leeds having a higher expected-goals figure in the opening 45 minutes than Man City they still managed to go into half-time behind, and with Leeds struggling to find a breakthrough in the second half, it leaves the question of what might have been for Leeds United.
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Semenyo continue to shine in new colours
Semenyo continues to shine and has quickly shown his worth since his move from Bournemouth to Man City in January, becoming a key figure in Guardiola's side.
He scored the only goal in City’s 1-0 win over Leeds United, taking his tally to six goals in 11 appearances - and is starting to show he can deliver for Man City even when the team’s usual top scorer Erling Haaland is unavailable.
Semenyo’s brilliant form has helped keep Man City within striking distance of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, with Guardiola publicly praising his impact and adaptability.
Handball controversy once again
One of the flashpoints that sparked heated debate after the final whistle was a handball controversy that Leeds felt could have changed the outcome of the game.
In the second half, there was a strong penalty appeal from Leeds when Man City defender Matheus Nunes' arm made contact with the ball in the box.
However the referee and VAR did not award a penalty, coming to the conclusion that the arm was in a natural position with play continuing and no review overturning the on-field decision.
Daniel Farke sees red
After the controversy of the handball, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke was sent off after the final whistle after he was furious with the decision from the referee.
Farke ran onto the pitch to argue with the official about the officiating - including perceived time-wasting and non calls during the match.
The Leeds United boss was shown red before even making full contact with the referee, forcing his own staff to restrain him.
Due to the red card he will not be on the sideline for Leeds United's game against Sunderland on Tuesday night.
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