Phil Foden bookended his day with goals in the first and 91st minute against Leeds United - Getty Images/Carl RecineMike McGrathSat, November 29, 2025 at 5:38 PM UTC·19 min readb'
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Phil Foden rescued Manchester City from more dropped points with a dramatic stoppage-time winner after Leeds United threatened a stunning result at Etihad Stadium.
After losing to Newcastle last weekend, Guardiola was upset at players “not trying” against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, and they squandered a two-goal lead here before Foden struck in added time.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGuardiola’s mindset is that City cannot afford to lose any games if they are to beat Arsenal to the title. They will look back at this win as significant if they do go on to triumph, with the hosts staring at a humbling result but ending up celebrating victory.
Such a dramatic afternoon looked unlikely at 3.01pm when City had opened the scoring after 59 seconds and were congratulating Foden on a spectacular start to the match. His volley had crashed in off the crossbar from Matheus Nunes’ pull-back. Chatter in the Etihad press box was whether they could rack up score like the 7-0 during the Marcelo Bielsa days.
Foden opened the scoring after just 59 seconds at the Etihad - PA/Martin RickettCity were on course for a handsome victory when Josko Gvardiol prodded in a second goal, taking advantage of Lucas Perri flapping at a corner while trying to get around Nico O’Reilly’s frame. It is a tell-tale sign when players refuse to appeal for a foul on the goalkeeper, with Leeds players walking back solemnly for the restart.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFarke has been in the spotlight for Leeds’ recent defeats and there have been questions over whether the German is the man to change Leeds’ fortunes. He answered critics with the half-time substitution that turned the game on its head, bringing on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and adding a different dimension to his attack.
His brave change was rewarded within four minutes, with Calvert-Lewin finishing smartly despite looking offside in the build-up. VAR replays vindicated the decision of assistant ref Eddie Smart to keep his flag down. Calvert-Lewin had been played onside by Nunes, who also missed his tackle when the Leeds striker was in front of goal.
Calvert-Lewin also won the penalty from which Leeds equalised from, racing onto Jayden Bogle’s header before getting chopped down by Gvardiol. Leeds were celebrating the spot-kick but could have been remonstrating too at Gvardiol receiving just a yellow card. Lukas Nmecha, who was educated in the City Academy, had his penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma but tapped in the rebound.
Foden’s winner came in the first minute of injury time, with the England forward collecting a pass from Rayan Cherki before dancing around opponents on the edge of the penalty area and finding the bottom corner.
05:23pm
That’s all from the 3pms
It was an entertaining afternoon, Leeds giving Man City a huge scare and Sunderland winning from 2-0 down.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEverton host Newcastle in the 5.30 kick-off and you can follow that here.
05:19pm
Phil Foden speaks
On the remarkable match...
“It’s up there as one of the wildest games. We had full control in the first half. They changed their system in the second half and we couldn’t get going.”
On the second half...
“It was a frustrating half. But when there was a short break the manager got us together and we adapted to their formation. We had a few half chances and finally I’ve found a bit of space and found the bottom of the net.”
On the performance...
“There are still things we can improve. We’re delighted with the result.”
Foden scores the winner after Leeds came back from 2-0 down - Getty Images/Shaun BrooksOn the title challenge...
“The title race is never straightforward. There’s always ups and downs and periods where you can’t seem to get going and we’ve had that. The belief and togetherness came through at the end. Hopefully that’s the case today that we can kick on from here. But you never know what to expect.”
On his two goals...
“I was so hungry today to play and prove to myself I could still score goals. I missed a few chances against Newcastle and wanted to put it right.”
05:08pm
FULL-TIME: Sunderland 3 Bournemouth 2
The whistle has gone at the Stadium of Light and still the hosts are unbeaten at home. And who would have thought that would have been the case when Bournemouth were 2-0 up after 15 minutes.
Both sides were brilliant in a blood-and-guts encounter playing in monsoon-like conditions.
05:02pm
FULL-TIME: Man City 3 Leeds 2
It’s all over at the Etihad and despite the spirited fightback Leeds fall to another away defeat.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe visitors were great in the second half but paid the price for sitting back too much as the match wore on, having been 2-0 down.
04:57pm
FULL-TIME: Brentford 3 Burnley 1
Burnley got back into it at 1-1 but the hosts proved too strong and ran out 3-1 winners.
04:56pm
95 mins: Man City 3 Leeds 2
We are five minutes into 10, yes 10, minutes of added time at the Etihad.
04:53pm
GOAL!
Man City 3 Leeds 2
Leeds don’t deserve that but they’ve sat back too much these past few minutes and City didn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, pressuring the visitors time and again before Foden scores his second and that, you suspect, is game, set and match.
04:52pm
88 mins: Sunderland 3 Bournemouth 2
So nearly an equaliser for the visitors, Tavernier hits the bar - this is such an entertaining match - game of the day....
04:50pm
88 mins: Man City 2 Leeds 2
First attempt of the match for Haaland (still in search of his 100th Premier League goal). It’s a header but it never really threatens to find the back of the net.
04:47pm
GOAL!
Brentford 2 Burnley 1
Did I say this match has come to life?! It’s woken up, taken 50 cans of Red Bull and is now as hyper as a child on Christmas Eve having eaten a bag of sweets...the hosts go back ahead (moments after going behind having just gone ahead...).
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJordan Henderson sends in decent ball into the box for Igor Thiago smash it home for his 11th Premier League goal of the season.
04:44pm
GOAL!
Brentford 1 Burnley 1
This game has indeed come to life. It’s back to all square and again the goal has come from the spot. Zian Flemming Michael Kayode,brings down Jadion Anthony.
04:42pm
GOAL!
Brentford 1 Burnley 0
Thiago from the spot and a dull game has come to life.
04:35pm
GOAL!
Sunderland 3 Bournemouth 2
They’ve deserved that as Brobbey, on as a sub, puts the hosts ahead having been 2-0 down. Great work from Le Fee before crossing for the Dutchman who then guides his header into the bottom corner.
Brian Brobbey wheels away in delight after scoring the hosts’ third - Reuters/Lee Smith04:31pm
68 mins: Sunderland 2 Bournemouth 2
It’s all Sunderland now and Xhaka is increasingly orchestrating things for the hosts.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBoth Sunderland and Leeds were 2-0 down but now both are on level terms and looking the better sides...
04:29pm
GOAL!
Man City 2 Leeds 2
They’ve deserved that...Nmecha’s first attempt was saved but he’s quickest to react to the rebound and it’s two-apiece...
Well, well, well...
Nmacha spared his own blushes by reacting quickest to his own missed penalty - AFP/Oli Scarff04:28pm
65 mins: Man City 2 Leeds 1
Penalty to Leeds - chance for a great turnaround here.
Josko Gvardiol brings down Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box...
Leeds looked dead and buried...
04:26pm
58 mins: Man City 2 Leeds 1
Haaland is stuck in the nervous 90s. He needs one goal for his Premier League century but he is yet to register an attempt.
Not goals (so far for Haaland) - Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt04:21pm
52 mins: Man City 2 Leeds 1
Leeds are a different side here, they’ve had 65 per cent possession since the break and Pep looks flustered...
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Gianluigi Donnarumma is getting treatment from the physios.....which conveniently gives Pep Guardiola the opportunity to give a mid-match team-talk. Donnarumma fine to continue.
04:19pm
Lovely stuff from the lino
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Fair play to Eddie Smart, the assistant referee, there. Dominic Calvert-Lewin looked offside when he got behind City’s defence, moments before finding the back of the net. But replays showed Smart was right to keep his flag down and that Matheus Nunes was level with the ex-England striker, who poked home when the ball came his way. DCL’s second of the season after his free transfer to Leeds.
DCL slots home to halve the deficit at the Etihad - PA/Martin Rickett04:12pm
GOAL!
Sunderland 2 Bournemouth 2
They’ve deserved that and it’s fine strike from Bertrand Traore. Granit Xhaka disguises a lovely pass to find Traore in the box he creates a bit of room before finding the far corner.
04:10pm
GOAL!
Man City 2 Leeds 1
Calvert-Lewin scores to give visitors hope...the changes have worked.
The former Everton man seemingly lost possession in the box but Nunes touches it back into his path and the substitute made no mistake.
04:07pm
45 mins: Man City 2 Leeds 0
They’re back under way at the Etihad, they’re been a double change by Farke: Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are on for Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James. The visitors have to have a go, surely?
04:02pm
From downtown
03:54pm
Half-time: Sunderland 1 Bournemouth 2
It’s been a great half of football at the Stadium of Light, both sides happy to attack in appalling conditions. But it’s the visitors with the advantage at the break, thanks to a goal you must see from Tyler Adams.
03:50pm
Half-time: Man City 2 Leeds 0
The hosts are winning at a canter, they were 1-0 up after 59 seconds and Leeds are yet to register a shot on goal. If the visitors win this I’ll give you all a lot of money (it’s not going to happen...).
03:49pm
Half-time: Brentford 0 Burnley 0
No goals in west London, an edgy encounter with not much entertainment so far.
03:47pm
45 mins: Sunderland 1 Bournemouth 2
There are monsoon conditions at the Stadium of Light and it’s been a brilliant first half with both side giving it a go. Great stuff.
03:44pm
41 mins: Man City 2 Leeds 0
You (strongly) suspect that it’s already game over for Leeds, but even if there is the odd optimistic visiting fan at the moment even they will know that cannot afford to concede again before the break. But City are the only team who look likely to find the back of the net, and even then they look slightly bored, Haaland has touched the ball eight times so far.
03:38pm
Farke cannot hide his disappointment
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Shake of the head from Daniel Farke in the technical area – and no protests from the Leeds players for that goal. Lucas Perri just missed his punch when he went up with Nico O’Reilly, with Josko Gvardiol tapping in. VAR looked at an offside but Bernardo Silva is nowhere near to interfering with play. What an understated goal. And probably game over for Leeds now. The Manchester Christmas markets are open if they fancy a change of scenery for the afternoon.
Lucas Perri will not want to see this again as Josko Gvardiol taps in from short range after the keeper’s howler - Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole03:33pm
Backpedalling
Robin Roefs was spotted off his line by Tyler Adams who tried his luck from distance, and fortune very much favoured the brave on this occasion.
Roefs is beaten from distance by Adams as Sunderland went 2-0 down to Bournemouth - Getty Images/Stu Foster03:30pm
GOAL!
Sunderland 1 Bournemouth 2
The hosts, who’ve been playing well are back in this thanks to a penalty from Enzo Le Fee. The spotkick came about thanks to Alex Scott going through the back of Reinildo Mandava.
03:28pm
GOAL!
Man City 2 Leeds 0
From a corner, an inswinging one, Lucas Perri, the Leeds keeper, comes out. He fails to punch the ball allowing Josko Gvardiol to slot home, that was far too easy for the hosts. The keeper has to come and claim that. VAR had a check, not sure what for...
03:24pm
Leeds finding it tough
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It is hard to see what Leeds are trying to do, as City are not giving them too many opportunities to attack. Dan James’s pace on the right flank is an outlet, while Ao Tanaka has been sending balls over the top to try and send team-mates away. It is tough going. They have not had a shot on target yet.
Leeds are putting themselves about a bit but are 1-0 down and not creating much - AFP/Oli Scarff03:17pm
GOAL!
Sunderland 0 Bournemouth 2
What a goal from Tyler Adams! He picks up the ball in his own half before driving forward. After about 10 yards decides to hit it from distance and beats a back-pedalling Roefs...the keeper may not want to see that again but that is a great finish from Adams.
03:13pm
12 mins: Man City 1 Leeds 0
Leeds have done well since going behind after 59 seconds. They’ve regrouped well and seen a far bit of the ball, without creating anything that could be described as a chance.
03:08pm
GOAL!
Sunderland 0 Bournemouth 1
Semenyo does well on the flank before Evanilson forces a good save by Roefs, Adli is the first to react and the visitors have the early lead.
Singing in the rain: Amine Adli celebrates opening the scoring at the Stadium of Light - PA/Steve Welsh03:05pm Goals • Analysis
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat a start for City
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The clock was on 59 seconds when that goal went in. Barely enough time for City players to absorb Erling Haaland’s pre-match team-talk – he was addressing players in the huddle just before kick-off. He didn’t have a touch of the ball before Phil Foden scored off the underside of the bar, volleying in Matheus Nunes’ pull-back.
03:03pm
GOAL!
Man City 1 Leeds 0
Foden opens scoring in first minute - this could be a long afternoon for the visitors.
Foden is in space and lets fly, great start for the hosts, just the start Leeds feared...
Foden scores for the hosts to put them 1-0 inside 60 seconds - Reuters/Jason Cairnduff03:01pm
1 min: Man City 0 Leeds 0
They’re under way at the Etihad and the action has also begun in the North East and west London.
02:58pm
Nearly kick-off time
Can Man City end a bad week with a win against Leeds? Will Sunderland or Bournemouth register their first win this month? And can Burnley get a much-needed victory at Brentford?
We’re about to find out...
02:48pm
The Haaland derby
The Alf-Inge Haaland derby that is...
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementErling’s dad left Leeds to join Man City in 2000.
Alf-Inge Haaland played for both City and Leeds, Erling was born in Leeds during his dad’s time there - Reuters/Phil Noble02:39pm
Leeds fans look away now
Some stats to scare the visitors to the Etihad today...
Leeds have lost five of their six away matches this season and have lost their past four Premier League matches against Man City, today’s favourites scoring 16 times during that run.
02:21pm
Farke and Leeds under pressure
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Daniel Farke has appeared a manager under pressure recently, with Leeds United losing their past three games. Those matches against Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa were the type of fixtures he would have looked at and seen potential points.
He has changed almost half of his team to face Manchester City, with two changes enforced as Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach are injured, so Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev are drafted in. He has dropped some of his attackers and brought in Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James.
Daniel Farke is under pressure - Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt02:13pm
Guardiola rings the changes
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Pep Guardiola has made nine changes from the team defeated by Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, in a game where the Manchester City manager accused players of “not trying” to take risks on the ball.
Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez are the players who stay in the team, with Guardiola reverting to a more familiar look for a return to Premier League action. From the team that went up to Newcastle last weekend and lost, Reijnders comes in for Rayan Cherki.
But the rest are the big-hitters such as Erling Haaland, who is looking for his 100th Premier League goal as he faces the team he supported as a child, having been born in Leeds while his dad, Alf Inge, played at Elland Road.
Reijnders is one of two players to stay in the starting XI from the side beaten by Bayer Leverkausen in the Champions League - PA/Nick Potts02:07pm
Even if Man City aren’t back to their best...
...Erling Haaland certainly has found his clinical dominance in front of goal. He needs just one to reach his Premier League ton and should he find the net he’ll have reached the century in 14 fewer matches than Alan Shearer. He has scored 99 in 109 appearances – tasty.
Will Haaland be celebrating for more than one reason today? - Reuters/Jason Cairnduff01:51pm
How Brentford and Burnley line up
01:50pm
How Sunderland and Bournemouth line up
01:49pm
How Man City and Leeds line up
01:47pm
Intriguing match at the Stadium of Light
Both Sunderland and Bournemouth started the season well, storming into the top four. But the past few weeks haven’t been overly kind to either side. Sunderland have two points from their past three matches (two of those at home) and Bournemouth have just the one point to show from their past three encounters. Both will be looking to get back on the victory train knowing that another setback today could set the tone for what could be a tough Christmas...
Can Granit Xhaka inspire Sunderland to three points this afternoon? - Getty Images/George Wood01:40pm
Here’s how the table looks
01:21pm
Pep: We cannot afford to lose again
A home Champions League encounter against Bayer Leverkausen was not supposed to hold much jeopardy for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men were expected to win without much fuss and underline that, despite defeat at Newcastle last weekend, they were still a team to be feared.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2-0 loss to the Germans at the Etihad in midweek, however, raised yet more questions about a side that still hasn’t found the level of performance or dominance it had before it’s early season blip 13 months ago.
With Arsenal looking so strong Pep Guardiola is only too aware they cannot afford another slip up at home to Leeds today.
The City manager said: “We cannot lose games, absolutely – that is the truth.
“They are so strong and winning games, and winning games in a way where they are so solid, like we had in the past with Liverpool against us and they were not going to drop many points.
“That’s why you have to be up there and this is what we will try to do.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter a defeat at Aston Villa last month, Guardiola had felt, with comfortable wins over Bournemouth and Liverpool, that City were starting to build momentum.
The 2-1 reverse at Newcastle was a frustrating slip.
Guardiola said: “We had it before the international break, but we gave away chances at Newcastle with aggression and intensity.
“We made a really good game, we created more in Newcastle than previous seasons and it was quite good, but we lost.
“Now we have to regain our momentum to start winning games and being there because there is still so long in the season.”
Stay here to see if Leeds, looking for points to get out of the bottom three, can pose yet more questions of City’s title challenge, and for all the goings-on at Sunderland, who host Bournemouth, and Brentford, who entertain Burnley.
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