Manchester City 3-2 Leeds United Player Ratings: Phil Foden Scores Late Winner in Thrilling Premier League Clash

Manchester City and Leeds United produced a thrilling Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. City appeared to be in full control after a strong first half. Phil Foden opened the scoring early, and Josko Gvardiol added a second from close range, giving the hosts a comfortable 2–0 lead.

Leeds, however, returned from the break with a completely different energy. They scored almost immediately and pushed City back with renewed confidence. The match reached peak drama when Leeds won a penalty. Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the spot kick, but Lukas Nmecha reacted quickly to score the rebound and make it 2–2. For a brief moment, a major upset seemed possible.

In stoppage time, City rescued all three points. Foden stepped up again, scoring a superb late winner to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory. It was a breathless game and a classic Premier League contest.

Manchester City Player Ratings vs Leeds United

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Donnarumma - 7.5: What a game for the keeper. Conceded two, but his penalty save was a monumental moment that should have preserved the lead. He couldn't do much about the rebound, which was unlucky. He was a commanding presence and received a yellow for time-wasting, showing his gamesmanship. A vital performance despite the scoreline.

Defenders

Josko Gvardiol - 6.5: A truly chaotic performance from the defender. He popped up with a goal, showing great striker's instincts. However, he then completely ruined his good work by conceding a clumsy penalty. The yellow card he received was inevitable. From our perspective, it was a day that perfectly summed up the beautiful madness of football. You just never knew what he'd do next.

Rúben Dias - 6.5: A standard, solid outing but nothing more. He was tidy with the ball, as his 94% pass accuracy shows. However, he was part of a backline that looked surprisingly vulnerable and conceded twice. We expect a bit more dominance from a player of his calibre in these situations. He did his job, but quietly.

Matheus Nunes - 5.0: It started so well with an assist for the opening goal. But his performance plummeted from there. What stood out to us was his costly error that led to a goal, a moment that completely shifted the game's momentum. A yellow card for a cynical foul summed up his frustrating afternoon. A day he'll want to forget quickly.

Nico O'Reilly - 7.5: We were very impressed with this young man. He provided a smart assist for Gvardiol's goal and was a constant creative threat. He was unlucky not to score himself, being denied by a good save. Defensively, he was also diligent, making eight clearances. He looked confident and full of energy throughout the game.

Midfielders

Phil Foden - 9.5: Simply sensational and the undisputed Man of the Match. He was the difference, scoring the crucial first goal and the breathtaking late winner. When his team was struggling for ideas, he stepped up with moments of pure quality. He was a constant threat and carried the team over the line. The highest-rated player on the pitch, and deservedly so.

Bernardo Silva - 6.5: The captain was neat and tidy in possession but struggled to impose his usual creative genius on the game. He worked hard but couldn't find that killer pass to unlock the resolute Leeds defence. The yellow card was a sign of his frustration. A somewhat muted performance by his very high standards.

Tijjani Reijnders - 7.0: A really busy and involved performance in the midfield. He created a big chance and was always looking to drive the team forward. His passing was crisp and he wasn't afraid to have a shot, even if they were off target. It was a solid contribution before he was substituted.

Nico González - 6.5: A workhorse in the middle of the park. He won his duels and made an impressive seven ball recoveries, breaking up play effectively. He even managed a shot on target, testing the keeper. While not spectacular, he provided a necessary balance and stability to the midfield engine room. A solid, if unsung, performance.

Jérémy Doku - 7.0: Exciting and frustrating in equal measure. When he ran at defenders, he was a nightmare, completing several dribbles. His crossing was also surprisingly accurate. However, what we noticed was his tendency to lose possession far too often, which stalled attacks. He's a box of tricks but needs to refine his decision-making.

Forwards

Erling Haaland - 6.0: A genuine ghost. It's rare to see him so anonymous. He had just 25 touches and a single shot on target all game. The Leeds defence, particularly Struijk, did an incredible job of marking him out of the contest. From our perspective, it was one of his most ineffective displays in a City shirt.

Substitutes

Rayan Cherki - N/A: Came on for Reijnders but had little time to influence the frantic ending.

Omar Marmoush - N/A: Replaced Bernardo Silva and had one headed chance well-saved.

John Stones - N/A: A late defensive substitution to see out the game after Foden's winner.

Manager

Josep Guardiola - 7.0: Ultimately, his team secured the three points. However, he will surely be concerned by how his side relinquished a 2-0 lead. They looked rattled and disorganized during Leeds' comeback. In the end, it took a moment of individual brilliance from Foden to bail them out. A win is a win, but it was far from convincing.

Leeds United Player Ratings vs Manchester City

Goalkeeper

Lucas Perri - 7.5: He may have conceded three goals, but the scoreline could have been much worse without him. He made six saves, some of which were outstanding stops from close range. He stood tall and gave his team a fighting chance. An excellent performance despite the heartbreaking result.

Defenders

Jayden Bogle - 5.5: It was a tough afternoon for the full-back. He struggled to contain the trickery of Doku and was dribbled past on occasion. He lost possession cheaply and couldn't offer much of an outlet going forward. A difficult day at the office against elite opposition.

Joe Rodon - 6.0: A battling display, but he was part of a defence that was ultimately breached three times. He made a number of important clearances but also picked up a booking. He looked stretched at times by City's fluid movement. He fought hard but it wasn't enough.

Pascal Struijk - 7.0: From our perspective, he had a very strong game. He was tasked with marking Haaland and did a magnificent job, winning an impressive seven of his duels. He was a colossal presence at the back, making five clearances and blocking shots. He can hold his head high after this performance.

James Justin - 6.5: He was having a solid and dependable game before an unfortunate injury forced him off after 69 minutes. He was defensively sound and drew several fouls to relieve pressure. His departure was a blow to the team's defensive structure.

Midfielders

Ethan Ampadu - 6.5: The captain led with passion and effort. He was tidy on the ball and tried to drive his team forward from midfield. However, he struggled to truly get a grip on the game against City's star-studded midfield. A battling performance full of heart, but lacking that decisive impact.

Ilia Gruev - 7.5: What stood out to us was his incredible composure and quality on the ball. An amazing 97% pass accuracy against City is no mean feat. He also made five tackles, showing his defensive grit. A truly impressive all-round midfield performance that went under the radar.

Ao Tanaka - 6.5: His energy was infectious. He covered a tremendous amount of ground, won seven duels, and was crucial to the team's high-pressing game. While his work rate was immense, his final ball sometimes let him down. A tireless effort for the cause.

Forwards

Daniel James - 5.5: Made almost no impact on the game and was unsurprisingly withdrawn at half-time. He was caught offside and failed to get involved in any meaningful attacks. A performance to forget.

Lukas Nmecha - 6.5: What a rollercoaster of an evening for him. The despair of having his penalty saved was immense, a moment that could have defined the match. Yet, he showed great character to react quickest and score the rebound. A mixed bag of a performance, but he got his goal in the end.

Wilfried Gnonto - 6.0: He worked hard and drew a few fouls, but he offered very little in terms of attacking threat. Like James, he was substituted at half-time as the manager looked for a different approach. He was busy but ineffective.

Substitutes

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 7.5: Came on at half-time and changed the game, scoring the goal that sparked the comeback.

Jaka Bijol - 6.0: Brought on to add defensive solidity but couldn't stop the late winner.

Gabriel Gudmundsson - 6.0: Replaced the injured Justin and did a steady job.

Noah Okafor - N/A: Had little time to make an impact.

Brenden Aaronson - N/A: A very late sub with no time to get involved.

Manager

D. Farke - 7.5: He deserves huge credit for the spirit his team showed. His half-time substitutions were inspired and completely changed the dynamic of the match. To come from 2-0 down at the Etihad and level the score takes incredible belief and tactical nous. He was desperately unlucky to leave with nothing.