Manchester City shrugged off the absence of Erling Haaland to secure a 1-0 win at Leeds United, closing to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
Haaland missed the trip to his birth city due to a minor injury, which Pep Guardiola described as “not a big problem.” Despite the striker’s absence, City managed to grind out a crucial three points against a Leeds side that had lost just twice in their previous 16 league games.
Leeds started strongly, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing a golden chance just three minutes into the game. However, it was Antoine Semenyo who proved decisive, scoring his sixth goal in 11 appearances since joining City last month.
“It was a huge victory to still be there (in the race),” Guardiola said. “One game at a time. Recover now and start the real season when there are many, many games and everyone’s tired.”
Tempers flared at full-time as Leeds manager Daniel Farke received a red card for confronting referee Peter Bankes, while Guardiola also expressed his displeasure with officiating decisions.
The spotlight now shifts to Arsenal, who host Chelsea on Sunday in a crucial Premier League showdown.
