Leeds United post-game fury, Silva flash point, Haaland cheer and off-camera Man City moments — YEP 1/3/26

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By Graham Smyth

The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Elland Road.

Leeds United can feel pride, disappointment and a little fury after a 1-0 defeat by Premier League title chasers Manchester City at Elland Road.

The Whites started brilliantly and should have gone ahead in the game, before a goal of typical brilliance from the visitors. Leeds ended the game firmly on top and should have had a penalty for handball, before the game was ended early in Daniel Farke's estimation.

That was why he set off like a raging bull to confront the officials at full-time, earning a straight red card. Here is the YEP take.

Good day

Karl Darlow

The goalkeeper has recovered from his mistake against Arsenal to do what he was brought in to do last season as well, steadying things between the posts. His performance against Man City was what Leeds needed. Smart shot stopping and efficient kicking. He helped give Leeds a platform by putting the ball in areas where Dominic Calvert-Lewin and latterly Lukas Nmecha could fight for it. Some of his saves were superb. A good time to be in form.

James Justin

The versatile defender needs to add very little further evidence to suggest he was a tremendous bit of transfer business last summer. He has been largely outstanding in 2026 since breaking into the team and his aggressive defending and reading of the game make him a vital part of the defensive set-up. Going forward he shows plenty of endeavour too. Against one of the Premier League's top two squads he was very good again.

Bad day

Ethan Ampadu

Leeds needed their skipper to be at his best in this one but he didn't hit the heights. Too often the pass wasn't right or the touch was too heavy. Getting bypassed by slick football is no crime when you play Man City but he got the runaround a little bit, alongside Ilia Gruev, in parts of the second half. At least he stayed in the fight and tried to keep Leeds pushing for an equaliser. The effort was there, if not the quality.

Peter Bankes

Not his finest hour of officiating, though he was hardly helped by his team or VAR. The sight of him brandishing his red card like a weapon of self defence in the face of a charging Daniel Farke was almost comical.

Elland Road

Though some will have been unaware of the reason for the early break in the first half - even some of the players had to ask the referee what was happening - others will not be able to say as such. It was reported on Friday that it was a possibility. The boos for the Ramadan break were 'unfortunate' in Pep Guardiola's estimation and 'disappointing' according to Leeds assistant boss Edmund Riemer. For such a short pause, simply to allow a couple of players to take on food and water while observing their religion, there was a stark level of anger in parts of the ground.

Off-camera moments

Lucas Perri delighting the mascots with a wave as they lined up on the touchline during the goalkeepers' warm-up.

Paraag Marathe welcoming Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Willy Gnonto to the Elland Road pitch with hugs as they came out to warm up. Noah Okafor, in his civvies and wearing a huge chain, enjoying a chat with the chairman before his former AC Milan team-mate Tijani Reijnders interrupted for a catch up.

Alf-Inge Haaland getting a cheer from the West Stand as he appeared for pre-game media duties.

Ethan Ampadu unzipping his training jacket and appearing to double check that he'd put his shirt on, seconds before emerging from the tunnel for the start of the game.

The kit man collecting the jackets but forgetting Pascal Struijk's, forcing the defender to run to the touchline and fire the garment into the technical area before joining his team-mates for a huddle.

Pep Guardiola furiously gesticulating to his team, standing two yards on the pitch as the minutes ticked towards 90.

James Justin showing the officials and then Marc Guehi the mark on his leg from a challenge he was penalised for.

Guardiola sarcastically waving to the East Stand.

Jayden Bogle having to be restrained after he shoved Bernardo Silva, who had been cupping his ear, away from the Kop in a feisty post-game atmosphere.

Leeds fitness coach following the officials to the tunnel to continue Leeds' protests.

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