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Ilkay Gundogan scored a brace and missed a penalty as Manchester City defeated Leeds United 2-1 at the Etihad to go four points clear of Arsenal.
Manchester City turned what should have been a routine win into a nervy one as they held on for a 2-1 win over Sam Allardyce's Leeds.
How it happened
Pep Guardiola's men dominated the early proceedings as was perhaps expected and after Erling Haaland saw two glorious opportunities go begging, the hosts opened the lead.
Riyad Mahrez found Ilkay Gundogan at the edge of the box and the City skipper stroked it home in style, leaving the Leeds goalkeeper clutching at air.
The second goal was identical to the first, Mahrez laid the perfect ball on for Gundogan, who took one touch to control before doubling City’s advantage with his second.
After breaking the PL record for most goals in a single season on Wednesday night, Haaland struggled in front of goal today, and this was highlighted no better than when the Norwegian powered a header against the bar of an unguarded goal from six yards.
It really was proving to be one of those days for Haaland, and he again hit the woodwork shortly after the hour mark, albeit in more difficult circumstances this time around.
Those misses gave Leeds some distant hope of a result, and after Gündoğan missed the chance to round the game off from the spot, Rodrigo halved the deficit against the run of play to set up a grandstand finish. Only 58 seconds separated the penalty miss and Leeds’ goal.
Despite the fact Allardyce’s men couldn’t find a leveller, this result should serve as a source of inspiration in their quest for survival. As for City, Pep’s men know they have better performances in the proverbial locker, as their push to secure a third successive PL title continues.
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