Premier League
5:30 p.mFebruary 28, 2026
Regular season – 28
Elland Road
Referee: Peter Bankes, England
Leeds
Manchester City
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.47
Expected Goals (xG)
1.77
Passing by
213 (74%)
Accurate passes
581 (91%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
26
G
Karl Darlow
7.9
3
d
Gabriel Gudmundsson
6.3
5
d
Pascal Struijk
6.9
6
d
Joe Rodon
6.3
24
d
James Justin
7.0
2
d
Jayden Bogle
6.6
11
M
Brendan Aaronson
6.2
44
M
Ilia Gruev
6.2
4
M
Ethan Ampadu (C)
6.7
18
M
Anton Stach
6.6
9
F
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
6.7
G
Gianluigi Donnarumma
85′ Unsportsmanlike conductd
Rayan Ait-Nouri
90+2′ Game delay
45+2′
15
d
Marc Guéhi
7.3
3
d
Ruben Dias
7.9
27
d
Matthew Nunes
7.6
16
M
Rodri
7.6
33
M
Nico O’Reilly
7.3
20
M
Bernardo Silva (C)
6.5
10
M
Ryan Cherki
6.7
7
F
Omar Marmoush
6.2
F
Antoine Semenyo
45+2′
Premier League Ranking – Premier League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Relegation – Championship
Manchester City secured a crucial 1-0 Premier League win against Leeds at Elland Road, with Antoine Semenyo’s winner just before half-time.
Manchester City secured a vital 1-0 Premier League victory over a resilient Leeds side at Elland Road. Antoine Semenyo’s clinical finish just before the break was the decisive moment. This hard-fought victory kept City firmly in the title race, proving their Championship pedigree.
Going into this game, Manchester City were second in the Premier League table. They boasted good form, winning four of their last five matches. 15th-placed Leeds were aiming to upset the title contenders and improve on their recent inconsistency.
The game started with Manchester City controlling possession, as expected. They moved the ball with their trademark precision, probing the Leeds defense for an opening. Leeds remained organized defensively, looking to launch quick counter-attacks.
City created several dangerous chances in the opening half hour. Midfielders Matheus Nunes and Rodri orchestrated the game, unlocking space with their incisive passing. Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow made crucial early saves, thwarting City’s early advances.
Just before the break, Manchester City found their crucial breakthrough. In the 45th minute, Rayan Aït-Nouri sent a low cross into the area. Antoine Semenyo calmly slotted the ball past Darlow on 45+2 minutes, giving City the lead.
The goal at the end of the first half gave City a significant advantage going into the break. The Leeds manager probably urged his team to show more attacking intent and press higher. Manchester City, on the other hand, were aiming to maintain control and potentially extend their lead.
Leeds came out with renewed vigor in the second half. They pressed City’s defense further up the pitch, aiming to disrupt their passing rhythm. Brendan Aaronson entered the game for Leeds in the 65th minute, adding fresh energy to the midfield.
Despite Leeds’ improved efforts, City managed the game effectively. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma remained calm, dominating his area well. Manchester City made tactical substitutions, bringing on Omar Marmoush in the 68th minute and Nico O’Reilly in the 70th minute.
The closing stages saw growing tension and a flurry of cards. Donnarumma was booked for unsporting conduct in the 85th minute. Aït-Nouri and Savinho were also booked in added time as City held firm under late pressure.
Manchester City dominated possession with 68% of the ball. They registered 14 shots in total, with 5 on target, achieving an Expected Goals (xG) figure of 1.77. Leeds, despite their fewer chances on goal, managed an xG of 1.47 from their 14 shots, with just 2 hitting the target. Darlow made 4 saves for Leeds; Donnarumma scored 2 for City.
This narrow victory significantly strengthens Manchester City’s title challenge, putting pressure on the league leaders. Leeds will be disappointed not to have clawed back a point from the game. They remain in 15th place, looking to bounce back in their next game.
