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Manchester City replied in style with a thumping of Leeds United, needing a win after Liverpool's triumph at Newcastle United. Pep Guardiola's team, on the other hand, had to work hard for their victory in what was an intriguing encounter.
Leeds were active on and off the ball, constantly attempting to disrupt City's flow while they were not in control. It worked in the sense that goalkeeper Meslier didn't have much to do until late in the game, but it also meant Leeds handed up a lot of set-pieces, which they were suitably punished for.
With the first few of shots, Phil Foden found his range, and after 13 minutes, Rodri headed home a superb cross from the left, the midfielder getting a touch to knock the ball home. Leeds maintained their strategy for the remainder of the first half, and City found it difficult to cope with them. After a head clash between Laporte and Koch, there was a stoppage, followed by another near the end of the first half after Dallas appeared to be gravely injured after a late tackle on Grealish. He was carried away on a stretcher.
Leeds put up a lot of effort and did a decent job of nullifying City, but they didn't offer much moving forward, and Ederson didn't have much to do until the game was already over.
The high tempo at which Leeds played the game was unsettling for their opponents, but it also made it difficult for the home team to make judgments and identify teammates because the action was moving so quickly.
City's second came from a corner, when Ake redirected Dias' header into the net, and it already felt like the game was over. After a few minutes, Ake limped away. Leeds, to their credit, kept pressing and harrying and didn't give up hope, but they still gave too little in the final third.
As they searched for a goal, their shape became increasingly open, and City began to profit. They squandered multiple opportunities before Foden found Jesus in front of goal.
The striker was never going to miss with his goal-scoring form, and the third goal put the game out of reach. Leeds appeared dejected, and their energy levels dwindled, but they threatened to score a consolation goal on a couple of times at the finish.
After a hasty clearance to the edge of the area, City would score the game's final goal, with Fernandinho slamming the ball home. Leeds put up a valiant fight, but only one club has the quality in the final third. Guardiola's team responds to Liverpool's previous success with a convincing win, improving their goal differential in the process.
Citizens have had a fantastic day at work ahead of their encounter against Real Madrid next week.
MAN C — 93rd minute — Fernandinho
MAN C — 78th minute — Jesus (Foden)
MAN C — 53rd minute — Ake (Dias)
13th minute — MAN C — Rodri (Foden)
Live updates and Premier League highlights from Leeds vs. Man City
Leeds United 0- Manchester City 4 in the final.
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