Leeds United – Manchester City: City Tame Leeds Chaos (0-4)

The game started in a fairly routine manner for Manchester City, but Leeds United grew into the game with a fast and aggressive approach which had the potential to be awkward for City. However City were able to keep their composure and exploit the spaces left by Leeds’ aggressive approach in the second half as the game became more stretched, and in the end Pep Guardiola’s side won convincingly.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. 

Leeds United have seen some encouraging results since Jesse Marsch took over as manager and are currently unbeaten in their last five games. However, they are still not mathematically secure from relegation.

Marsch faced disruption to his plans pre-game as he lost Liam Cooper to injury in the warmup, meaning Mateusz Klich stepped into the starting eleven. Leeds went with a back three for this match, with Luke Ayling playing alongside Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk. Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo were wing-backs, while Klich partnered Kalvin Phillips in midfield. Raphinha and Jack Harrison were then the wide attackers in their 3-4-3 shape, supporting Rodrigo up front. 

Manchester City returned to Premier League action after their entertaining 4-3 win over Real Madrid in the week, and focus was needed as Liverpool had beaten Newcastle earlier in the day, putting them top of the table.

Pep Guardiola opted for a 4-2-3-1 starting shape here, with João Cancelo . . .