Leeds United home end invaders, Farke's touchline fury and off-camera Manchester City moments — YEP 30/11/25
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s
last-gasp 3-2 defeat at Manchester City.
Leeds United produced a second half no one saw coming before
suffering late heartbreak at the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad.
The Whites were 2-0 down at the break after a pretty routine
City first half performance but a different away side emerged from the tunnel
for the second period. Daniel Farke changed formation, went to a 3-5-2 and
introduced Dominic Calvert-Lewin who helped change the game entirely.
Though they fought back to level at 2-2 and even put on some
pressure to try and find a winner, Leeds were unable to stop Phil Foden from
scoring his second of the afternoon and winning it for the hosts in time added
on. Here's the YEP take on Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at the Etihad.
Good day
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The half-time substitute helped change the game entirely. It
wasn't just that he unsettled City with his presence and physicality, he
managed to scrap his way to a goal and won a penalty. His performance deserved
more than defeat.
Lukas Nmecha
Playing against his former side it must have meant so much
to stick that penalty away at the second time of asking. He looked
reinvigorated in a front two with Calvert-Lewin and got through a huge amount
of work.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk
The fact that City scored three and Erling Haaland did
precious little is remarkable. Struijk was chiefly responsible for that but had
some help from Rodon, who also helped Bogle out with Jeremy Doku a number of
times.
Bad day
Erling Haaland
The odds on him scoring a hat-trick were such that the world
obviously expected him to relish a game against this Leeds side. The reality
was quite different. At one point in the second half his manager was visibly
asking for more from him but he struggled to make any real impact.
Willy Gnonto
Given the start that so many wanted to see but he got off to
a terrible start with his defending for the first-minute opener and the half
didn't get much better. Went off at the break.
Off-camera
Lukas Nmecha the only Leeds man to come out for the warm-up
in short sleeves, with no tracksuit top or bottom, no gloves, hat or snood.
Alex Cairns left applauding as Lukas Nmecha stepped up and
drilled a lovely disguised shot into the far corner in the warm-up.
Willy Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson stopping for a quick photo
with a young Leeds fan standing pitchside as the teams went down the tunnel for
their final preparations.
A Leeds fan in the expensive home seats giving a Leeds
salute to the club's analysts.
Daniel Farke calling James Justin over to give him
instructions after 15 minutes, while play was stopped.
Farke throwing his arms around in fury with a few minutes
left in the half as his team apparently failed to do what he wanted out of
possession.
Pep Guardiola complaining about Ethan Ampdu going to ground
to win a free-kick right beside him. Ampadu had a couple of words for the City
boss.
Guardiola frantically gesturing with his assistant as they
tried to work out what to do in response to Leeds' changes and resurgence after
the break.
Farke sharing his exasperation with City's antics to the
fourth official as Pep gathered his entire outfield side while Donnarumma had
treatment for some injury or other.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin giving Jayden Bogle a look after the
full-back took a throw down the line before the striker knew what was going on.
Farke gave Bogle a similar look.
Chris Domogalla turning and grinning to the directors box as
Leeds celebrated their second goal.
The Leeds fans in the home end celebrating that goal
unashamedly, prompting complaints to stewards from City supporters.
Illan Meslier on his feet cheering Bogle as the right-back
won a free-kick.
Jaka Bijol pointing out the hypocrisy in Ruben Dias'
complaints about time wasting when Ampadu was down getting treatment, given
what had happened earlier when Donnarumma went down injured so City could take
a tactical time out and get instructions from their boss.
