Record-breaker Erling Haaland spared Leeds flak but 'overweight' Phillips mocked
By James Ducker at Elland Road
To be fair, this was Erling Haaland the merciful. If the game had come a few weeks down the line, with Manchester City’s goal machine fully up to speed following the World Cup hiatus and over an injury that continues to hamper him, he would doubtless have had a fourth Premier League hat-trick to his name and arguably stuck four or five past poor Leeds. Instead, he had to settle for two goals, which still made him the first Premier League player in history to reach 20 goals before January – and imagine how many more it might have been but for that pesky tournament in Qatar.
Out of respect for the city in which he was born, Haaland opted against any form of showy celebration, instead greeting both goals with a big smile and a quiet sense of satisfaction while his proud, beaming dad Alfe Inge, the former Leeds midfielder who moved to City in the same summer Haaland was born, watched on from a box. Leeds can only be grateful the Norway striker is still some way off peak condition because they could easily have been bludgeoned here.
Pep Guardiola admitted a foot injury suffered in October is impeding his centre-forward and prevented him from training at all during their winter camp earlier this month, words that will send a chill down the spine of City’s rivals because even an undercooked Haaland is much too good for most. Still, for a striker who so often looks flawless in front of goal, it was quite something to see Haaland squander three one-on-ones, particularly the one in the second half he scuffed straight at the goalkeeper.
Both of Haaland’s goals, after Rodri had given City a late first-half lead after a plethora of missed chances, derived from assists by Jack Grealish, who was barracked throughout but overcame the boos – and his own disappointment at missing a series of fine chances – to produce an impressive second-half display, one of several things that will have heartened Guardiola.
At one stage, City’s perfectionist manager was seen booting a water bottle on the touchline out of frustration and was clear there was room for improvement in some of their build-up play. But, Haaland and Grealish aside, there was another creative masterclass from Kevin De Bruyne and another accomplished display at right back from 18-year-old Rico Lewis, making his first Premier League start. So the gap at the top is back to five points and Arsenal will know City are not going to give up their title easily.
Leeds were at their best after going 3-0 down, when they pulled a goal back through Pascal Stuijk and had a couple of other good chances, but they turned over the ball far too cheaply, missed the suspended Tyler Adams in midfield and were only still in the game at the interval because of City’s wastefulness and goalkeeper Ilan Meslier’s resistance. It is six defeats in eight now for Jesse Marsch’s side, who have won once at home since August, and the pressure is building.
With the wind up, the pitch dry as a bone and the Elland Road crowd as hostile as ever, the conditions favoured Leeds but if City had brought their shooting boots they might have challenged last season’s 7-0 scoreline against these opponents at the Etihad in the first half alone. When Rodri did finally bundle the ball home on the cusp of half-time, it was City’s 11th scoring opportunity of a one-sided first 45 minutes.
Grealish had managed a solitary goal in 17 appearances this term – and you could see why. The worst of his three misses came moments before Rodri scored when Lewis, who excelled in and out of possession, teased a pass through a narrow gap. It was the story of City’s first half – Meslier twice denying Erling Haaland as well as Ilkay Gundogan, who also missed a header from a fine De Bruyne cross.
Fully aware of his Leeds links, Haaland was spared any flak from the home crowd and Kalvin Phillips, warmly applauded by the locals on his first return to Elland Road since his £45 million summer move, saw the funny side of playful chants poking fun about his waistline.
Phillips had initially been banished by Guardiola after returning from the World Cup “overweight” and Leeds fans were not going to pass up the chance to have a bit of fun at their former midfield idol’s expense. “You’re too fat to play for Leeds” and “Kalvin Phillips, he eats what he wants” went the chants. Grealish, though, was not so lucky, the England midfielder taunted at every turn. For a while, particularly as the misses piled up, you wondered if the abuse was affecting him. But Grealish was never going to hide and, by the end, Leeds had resolved that the only was to stop him was to kick him. His second-half offensive began soon after the restart when he intercepted Liam Cooper’s slack pass to burst through on goal and square for Haaland to claim his obligatory goal. It was quite the response.
Before long, Grealish had a second assist – and Haaland a second goal. Meslier got a hand to the ball as Haaland shot from Grealish’s return and, much like City’s first goal, will have been disappointed not to keep it out. On that occasion, City had worked the ball from back to front via Nathan Ake, Gundogan, De Bruyne and Rodri to Riyad Mahrez, whose shot was saved before Rodri’s scuffed rebound crept past Meslier’s outstretched hand.
Leeds pulled a goal back when Struijk headed home Sam Greenwood’s corner and substitute Joe Gelhardt went close but it was too little, too late.
Leeds United vs Manchester City – as it happened
10:31 PM
Marsch not focusing on a relegation battle
I'm trying to stay focused on our ability to stay in the moment and be at our best for each match. We need a few players to get healthy, and I want us to keep our head down and focus on getting better week to week. Because then I think we can be a good team.
10:30 PM
Jesse Marsch on Leeds
They're always able to manipulate the ball in possession and unbalance you... I actually felt we were quite stable and did not give a lot away.
When we pushed into their half and left more space, that's where they caught us out twice in transition. That's what Haaland has given them, not only his threat in the box.
We could have been better when we won the ball back.
10:26 PM
Brenden Aaronson gives his thoughts on Leeds' performance
For us to take that goal at the end of the half, it's always a gut punch. I think we defended quite well against a team I think are the best team in the world, but we have to improve in some instances.
In transition moments, I think we can hold the ball a little more and we have more time than we think.
10:22 PM
Guardiola praises Rico Lewis for his debut
He understand the game, he's so clever. He helps us with our dynamics much better... Playing against Chelsea, Liverpool, here today at Elland Road, wow! He's an absolute reality for us.
10:21 PM
Guardiola on Grealish's performance
He gave two brilliant assists. Of course, he has to score. It's a question of mentality, we see in training he has the ability to put the ball in the net. [He needs] no negativity. When it happens, he will score.
10:15 PM
Pep Guardiola on his team's performance
It was better the first half than the second. That's my point of view. We did not concede one shot against a team that has play so well against top sides like Arsenal and Chelsea.
On working from Haaland:
We are delighted with the fact how humble he is. He's an exceptional guy and work ethic and professionalism. It's a big threat for the opponents having him there.
10:12 PM
Another Haaland stat...
Haaland now has more goals for Man City than his father Alf Inge managed for the club with 18.
100 - Erling Haaland has been directly involved in 100 goals in 81 appearances across the Premier League and German Bundesliga (82 goals, 18 assists). Robotic. pic.twitter.com/qiUkFNxpNl
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 28, 2022
10:11 PM
Haaland says he was irritated by watching the World Cup for home
I have a figure but I cannot tell you! [A goal target for the season]
I could have scored five, but we win which is the most important thing. You see Arsenal top, we have to hunt them down.
I'm a striker I could have scored more, but that's life I need to practise more.
To watch other people score goals and win games in the World Cup, irritates me.
10:07 PM
Guardiola's water bottle moment
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 28, 2022
10:06 PM
Alan Shearer still backing Man City for the title
Their squad is incredible, it's bigger and better than anyone. Guardiola can flip it around and change it more than anyone can.
10:03 PM
This man has 20 Premier League goals before the turn of the year...
09:58 PM
FT: Leeds 1 Man City 3
City navigate a potentially tricky festive fixture and get their Premier League season back up and running. They could well have scored more, with Erling Haaland score twice but also missing a couple of other one-on-ones with Meslier. There is more to come from City with Cancelo, Bernardo, Walker and Foden starting on the bench, which is a sobering thought for Arsenal and Newcastle fans daring to dream.
I'm not sure we learned much about Leeds: Aaranson and Gnonto were bright, they kept on attacking, but mistakes and some loose defending proved their undoing.
09:53 PM
92 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
Man City's turn to see multiple shots blocked in the area, including Haaland who is still looking for his hat-trick. City are almost there, and will move to within five points of the summit.
09:51 PM
90 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
Stones almost sold Ederson short there with Gnonto lurking, but the ball had just about enough pace on it.
Then Leeds find a crossing position through Ayling, and Gelhardt makes another dart across the near post.
Leeds win a corner, and have five minutes of stoppage time. Unfortunately for them, the inswinger from Roca is straight down Ederson's throat.
09:49 PM
88 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
Another change from City with Cole Palmer coming to for Riyad Mahrez.
Leeds almost carve out half a chance at the edge of the City box but Gyabi and then Gelhardt are smothered as they try to work a yard for a shot.
09:47 PM
86 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
Man City fans serenade Kevin De Bruyne who shows tremendous application to win a 50:50 near the touchline, and then the technique to pick a pass. City have re-established some control in the game now, the finish line is in sight.
09:44 PM
83 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
Guardiola was furious with City for giving up that transition which resulted in a free-kick. He kicked a bottle towards the Leeds bench before scampering over to apologise. It does not look like anyone of the Leeds bench took offence.
09:42 PM
81 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
Man City are finally feeling some discomfort for the first time tonight. Gnonto's ability to turn and dribble causing problems again, and Rodri looks rather leaden-footed when dragging him down around 25 yards from goal. This is a great shooting position, Roca and Greenwood over it.
Greenwood took it with his right, up and over the ball with good contact...but it was high and wide.
09:39 PM
78 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
Erling Haaland misses another one-on-one against Meslier! Arced his run between the two centre-backs, but made really poor contact with his side-footed shot and it was a pass back to the Leeds goalkeeper.
Chance for Leeds! Gelhardt dashed across the near post, and his poked effort looked to be rolling into the far corner, but it drifted agonisingly wide. Leeds still swinging.
09:36 PM
75 minutes: Leeds 1 Man City 3
City threatening to restore their three-goal cushion, but Meslier gathers De Bruyne's shot from just outside the edge of the area. The Leeds goalkeeper throws it out quickly, and the home team try to capitalise on their momentum. It's just very difficult for them to maintain possession against this City side.
09:34 PM
GOOOAAAALLL! Leeds pull one back
From a set-piece, Leeds have one back out of nothing. The delivery from the left was decent, and left-back but really a centre-back Struijk got across his man and found the bottom corner with a glancing header. Roughly 20 minutes remaining...it's not going to happen is it?
09:32 PM
72 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 3
Leeds making a couple of changes: Llorente on for Cooper, and Gelhardt on for Rodrigo.
Guardiola has decided to take Jack Grealish out of the firing line, with Phil Foden replacing him.
09:31 PM
70 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 3
Grealish scampering away into space on the counter-attack, and Koch hacks him down at the expense of a yellow card. The crowd enjoyed that one, but the game is running away from Leeds. Gnonto comes over and gets involved in some pushing and shoving with Grealish and gets himself booked. Meslier is off his line quickly to gather the free-kick.
09:28 PM
67 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 3
Guardiola is making his first change with Cancelo ready to come on.
Ederson has been called into his first work of the night, tipping Roca's overhit free-kick from a wide area around the post. Leeds feel they should have had a second corner, but goal kick given.
Cancelo is replacing Rico Lewis, who has been very impressive on his full Premier League debut.
09:25 PM
GOOOOAAALL! Haaland scores his second
Lovely interplay in midfield from City involving Rodri and De Bruyne, and they work the ball wide to Grealish via Haaland. The England winger returns the favour with a really accurate pull-back to Haaland, who opens up his body and finds the far corner with the inside of his right foot. Meslier got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
This man is unstoppable 🤯
Erling Haaland scores his 20th Premier League goal of the season in just his 14th appearance 🤖#PLonPrime #LEEMCI pic.twitter.com/yCewfxlMuG— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 28, 2022
09:24 PM
62 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 2
Gnonto still carrying the fight for Leeds, winning them a free-kick within shooting range with a forward burst that saw Rico Lewis booked for dragging him down. Greenwood over it, 25 yards out and left of centre. Unfortunately for Leeds, it is straight into the wall.
09:20 PM
60 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 2
That was a super slick City move, but Leeds allowed De Bruyne to receive the ball into far too much space between their midfield and defence. Haaland played a first-time ball into Gundogan's path, but his touch was heavy and allowed the defender to partially block the shot.
09:17 PM
57 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 2
Leeds fans are sticking with the team, and they are seeing more of the ball now as City slack off a touch. Kristensen gets forward into a cross position, but Akanji was in the right place to clear. Leeds suddenly a touch ragged defending the break, but they successfully play City offside.
It's been a happy homecoming for Haaland so far:
09:14 PM
54 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 2
Leeds punished for another unforced error on the ball in their own half. That was a Christmas gift for City, who will be delighted that this game has unfolded in such stress-free fashion.
Leeds try to muster a response, and Aaronson nutmegs Rodri to create a shooting chance from 25 yards but his effort was always rising.
09:12 PM
GOOOAAALL! Haaland scores his easiest goal of the season
Cooper rolled as square pass towards his centre-back partner Koch who was caught on his heels. Grealish pounced and was away, one-on-one against Meslier. He waited for Haaland to arrive, before unselfishly rolling the ball into the striker's path for a tap in. Grealish could easily have tried to make up for those first-half misses there, but he made sure his team scored the second. Surely game over.
Erling Haaland was never going to miss from there 🔥
Brilliantly unselfish from Jack Grealish 👏#PLonPrime #LEEMCI pic.twitter.com/6Du88ynZZv— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 28, 2022
09:10 PM
49 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 1
Gundogan at the heart of everything City do well once again, this time with a burst forward into the box around Koch. Ake tries to stand up a cross towards Haaland but Meslier claims.
The Cooper produced a perfectly timed tackle when Mahrez had him isolated and was running towards the penalty area.
09:08 PM
47 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 1
Haaland tries to chase a long ball forward but the ball runs away from him. Leeds try to play their way out from deep but Cooper clips a pass straight out for a throw with his left foot.
Once again Grealish is on the turf after getting there before Kristensen, who caught him late. No yellow card fortcoming.
09:06 PM
We're back under way!
Leeds get the game started in the second half.
09:04 PM
Can Leeds back into this?
I think they need to try and exit to the flanks a little more, rather than trying to play through the middle. Aaronson on the right and Gnonto on the left look like they could make something happen, and City vacate those areas with their narrow full-backs.
09:00 PM
Alan Shearer speaking on Amazon
Leeds have had to rely on good goalkeeping to keep it at 0-0 for the vast majority of the half. Jesse Marsch's team talk has to change because they had stayed in the game and defended reasonably well.
08:55 PM
Welcome back Kalvin...
Leeds fans chanting "Kalvin Phillips, he eats what he wants"
Ex Leeds midfielder now at City on bench having initially not been allowed to train/play by Guardiola after returning from World Cup "overweight" #lufc #mcfc— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) December 28, 2022
08:52 PM
HT: Leeds 0 Man City 1
Leeds had periods where they were solid in their narrow and compact 4-3-3 shape, but City have still created enough chances to be two or three up. But for Meslier winning his battle with Haaland, they would be.
It has not been the kind of chaotic Elland Road night City may have feared. Ederson has not been troubled.
08:49 PM
GOOOAAALLL! City have the lead
With seconds to go before half time, City take one of their chances. Another attack from one end to the other with De Bruyne involved again. He reversed a pass to Rodri at the edge of the box, who went one over to Mahrez.
Meslier saved his side-footed shot, but there was Rodri to convert the rebuild. The champions ahead, and closing the gap to Arsenal to five points as things stand.
08:48 PM
45 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
What a chance for Grealish again! Guardiola turns away on the touchline after watching him sky his shot from seven or eight yards out middle of goal.
De Bruyne freed Lewis with a lovely flick around the corner, he picked out Grealish in the box but he scooped his shot well over the bar.
That was a horrible miss and the home crowd are loving it.
08:44 PM
43 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Nice chest control on halfway from Aaronson to hold the ball and win a free-kick, which comes to nothing.
Lovely football from City down their right involving Mahrez, De Bruyne and Lewis, before the Belgian sweeps it out to Grealish wide left. Grealish tries to clip a ball towards the run of Mahrez but it was always getting away from him.
08:42 PM
40 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Gnonto has been Leeds' brightest attacking spark with some promising jinks forward, but there has not been much punch at the end of it.
Mahrez then buys a very soft free-kick close to the right touchline from Cooper. De Bruyne feeds a really clever low deliver across the edge of the box, but Grealish spooned the shot horribly over to cheers from the Leeds fans. Poor technique really, with time to set himself.
08:39 PM
38 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
De Bruyne running at the back-peddling Leeds defence again, but rather than shoot he looks left to Grealish whose shot was blocked. The moved started after Forshaw slipped in midfield. Leeds survive once again.
08:38 PM
36 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Meslier out again with another save! This time to block Gundogan's dink from a tight angle, after City pinched the ball back in midfield through Lewis. City are controlling this game well but do not have the goals to show for it.
08:34 PM
33 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Another good chance for City is wasted! It was the second phase of a set-piece, and they whipped an inswinging cross to the back post where Grealish was unmarked, but he volleyed over on the stretch. Meslier was not recovering to that side of the goal, Grealish just had to keep it down.
08:33 PM
31 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
City worked the ball through the Leeds midfield there, and found Grealish isolated on the left. Kristensen did well to smother and block the cross through, before Meslier claims De Bruyne's low corner.
Haaland in again! But it's very good goalkeeping from Meslier to save with his knee as the City striker tried to side-foot in past him with his left foot. De Bruyne found his run again with an outside of the foot pass.
Two chances, no goals for Haaland so far.
08:30 PM
28 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Gundogan penalised for a foul on halfway, to cheers from the Elland Road crowd. Forshaw tries to drill a diagonal pass to the back post but Cooper is punished for holding Stones.
08:28 PM
25 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Leeds try to string a sequence of passes together from their own half, but once again it breaks down around the halfway line. It is very difficult for them to stop the waves of City possession, although in fairness there has been no big chance since Haaland's in the first minute.
08:24 PM
22 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Grealish with a run infield into a central area, but Struijk is there to stop him in his tracks. Legally, according to the referee, much to the dismay of Grealish and City. I'm not sure the Leeds defender had time to move out of the way, but he certainly checked Grealish's run.
08:22 PM
20 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
A scrappy few minutes of football with Sam Greenwood giving the ball away in midfield moments after Leeds had won it back. Forshaw in strongly on Lewis and the challenge was late, so City free-kick around 40 yards out right of centre.
They work a short one, and Gundogan took on the shot from distance. Did not catch it with any menace or power, but it drifted just wide of the far post.
08:19 PM
17 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
The Elland Road crowd roars on some Leeds pressing which took them into the City penalty area, but the champions showed great composure and understanding to play their way out under pressure. It only takes one mistake in a situation like that though...
08:17 PM
15 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Leeds fans and Marsch are not happy with the referee after Grealish is awarded a foul when he was facing his own corner flag. Replays suggest Roca did get a foot to the ball.
Struijk then mis-judges a long ball forward to let Mahrez get away. He sets the ball back for De Bruyne, who feeds a superb cross into the area which Gundogan glances wide.
It feels like the goal is coming for City.
08:15 PM
13 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Ederson mis-places a pass towards Stones and the ball runs out for a Leeds throw. A rare mistake from Man City in their build-up play.
Then De Bruyne very nearly fizzes a through ball into Haaland's path that would have sent him clean through. The City striker has looked sharp so far.
08:13 PM
11 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Lewis has looked very comfortable for City so far, finding De Bruyne with a pass forward between the lines. Leeds get around the ball to crowd him out. Jesse Marsch's team are trying to defend in a very narrow shape. City being very deliberate on the ball, trying to slow the game to a tempo they prefer.
08:11 PM
9 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Aaronson wanted a foul just beyond halfway, but in truth he was brushed off the ball too easily by Rodri. The crowd are doing their best to stay engaged and pounce on the slightest shred of encouragement for Leeds.
08:09 PM
7 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
Another dangerous City attack, this time it ends with De Bruyne curling a shot wide from the edge of the box after he ghosted into space in front of the retreating Leeds defence. Ederson putting the ball out for a throw produces a roar from the home team, but City soon re-establish control of possession.
08:06 PM
4 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
City lift a free-kick into the box for Haaland who tried to swivel and volley after taking it on his chest, but fortunately for Leeds he slipped at the vital moment.
The home team then launch their first counter of the game after Struijk stepped in to intercept, but Rodrigo tried a first-time flick at the edge of the box when could have played a simpler pass to a team-mate.
08:03 PM
2 minutes: Leeds 0 Man City 0
City are building play with Stones, Akanji and Ake as a back three, with Lewis tucking in alongside Rodri in midfield.
And within 30 seconds Haaland has a sight at goal! It looked like he had the time and space to lift the ball over Meslier from the edge of the area, but he did not get enough power behind the effort and the Leeds goalkeeper saved. An almighty scare for the home team, but they survive.
Grealish then gets a couple a chances to run at the Leeds defence. All City so far.
08:01 PM
KICK OFF!
Manchester City, playing in red and black stripes, get us going.
08:01 PM
A big night for Haaland Snr too...
07:57 PM
The players are on their way out...
Elland Road under the lights over the Christmas period has all the hallmarks of an awkward night for City...but then you see their front six and realise they could just as easily blow a fragile Leeds away.
07:55 PM
The De Bruyne-Haaland combination Leeds must try to stop
07:42 PM
Kevin De Bruyne on adjusting to De Bruyne
The first 60 or 70 metres of the pitch our play is not that different, but in the final third with Erling's strength going deep and closer to goal we probably look for that more often.
07:38 PM
Kalvin Phillips is in the City squad tonight
That despite Guardiola calling him out for returning from the World Cup 'overweight' and not in condition to train or play. Phillips back at Elland Road for the first time since leaving his boyhood club last summer.
I mean...he doesn't look like he's been at the cheese boards this Christmas does he?
07:35 PM
No Stone Island in sight with this Leeds fan...
07:23 PM
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani looks longingly at Guardiola
07:21 PM
Will we see more madness at Elland Road?
Leeds' last four Premier League games have produced a total of 22 goals, at an average of 5.5 per game. Manchester City have scored more goals than any other team with 40, but they have conceded 14.
07:17 PM
Guardiola backs Lewis
For the way he played against Liverpool it would have been unfair not to let him play again.
07:13 PM
Guardiola had some kind words for Leeds before the game
I would have preferred another opponent than Leeds in this moment after the World Cup.
They are the most aggressive team in the Premier League, statistically.
They don't give you time to think and you have to be precise, you have to be at a high level to do it in the situations you have.
07:09 PM
Maybe not strongest Man City team
Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva starting on the bench. Joao Cancelo, too.
Rico Lewis makes his full Premier League debut at right-back, while Nathan Ake shuffles across to left-back which is a position he is familiar with. Lewis featured in the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool and was praised publicly by Guardiola.
Erling Haaland starts as expected. On Amazon, Jesse Marsch says Leeds have been studying his movements in the box and he wants his defenders to stay in contact with him.
07:04 PM
Leeds team news: Forshaw in for Adams, Greenwood preferred to Summerville
Starting XI: Meslier, Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Struijk, Greenwood, Forshaw, Roca, Gnonto, Rodrigo, Aaronson
Subs: Ayling, Firpo, Summerville, Harrison, Llorente, Gyabi, Robles, Gelhardt, Klich
07:02 PM
Manchester City team news: Youngster Rico Lewis starts at right-back
Starting XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Stones, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan (c); Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Walker, Phillips, Cancelo, Laporte, Bernardo, Gomez, Foden, Palmer
06:56 PM
Tyler Adams is suspended for Leeds tonight
He was sent off in their 4-3 defeat at Tottenham before the World Cup break. Adams impressed for USA in Qatar, and is precisely the type of player Leeds could have done with to try and stem the flow of City attacks tonight.
06:50 PM
Julian Alvarez will come back a World Cup winner
By James Ducker, Northern Football Correspondent
Guardiola also insists Alvarez’s exploits at Argentina will only benefit City - rather than give him a selection headache. “An issue to manage? What a privilege.
“He doesn't need to play a World Cup or win it for us to know exactly how he is as a player. Of course, for him it’s absolutely unbelievable, the age he is, to be a world champion. Thanks to Argentina, he will come back a better player. That is magnificent for us, and after that we’ll see what happens, day by day.”
Asked if Alvarez may react differently now he has won the World Cup if he is omitted from City’s starting XI, Guardiola said: “Maybe, I don’t know. I didn't speak with him, I didn't see him. But I would say, right now, the players who are not going to play the next game against Leeds, they will be grumpy with me, they will be upset, sad, that's normal.
“What I can say is that we're so happy for Julian and I'm pretty sure to have lived this experience, to play under pressure in quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final … what an experience for him. Of course, he's our player, so it's perfect for us.”
06:45 PM
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch on the task at hand
I always say playing team like Man City that you love it and you hate it.
You love it because you love the challenge but you also know how difficult the challenge is.
My goal this year is to have a good season but to find a way to punch above our weight against the biggest opponents. Man City will be a target in that, but managing a match against them for 90 plus minutes is extremely difficult.
06:40 PM
Erling Haaland back in Leeds
By James Ducker, Northern Football Correspondent
The game will see Haaland returning to his birthplace, the Norway striker born less than six weeks after his father Alfe Inge Haaland left Leeds for City in June 2000, and come up against his old manager at RB Salzburg, Jesse Marsch, who is now in charge at Elland Road.
But Guardiola does not know if being Leeds born will shield Haaland from a hot reception at Elland Road.
“I don’t know [what the reception will be like] - they want to win, we want to win,” he said. “They will push their team, it will not be a friendly game. Hopefully Erling cannot be contaminated with any nice words from the opponent. I’m pretty sure Jesse would prefer to play with our good players on the pitch.”
Guardiola said Haaland is over the muscular problems that dogged him at times at Borussia Dortmund. But the Catalan admits City have been having to manage a foot ligament problem Haaland suffered in the 0-0 Champions League draw away to his former club Dortmund in October. Haaland came off with 17 minutes remaining against Leeds but Guardiola hopes he will be fit to face Leeds.
“I think he will be ready. Day by day he's getting better, as much. He can train and he will get his condition,” Guardiola said. “The injury is completely different to last season. It was a knock on his foot in Dortmund, when we played them in the Champions League. The doctor said he damaged his ligaments in his foot and it's so painful.
“It’s not easy to recover, that’s why he struggled. But [the] muscular issues [from his time in Germany] it’s perfect and now it’s much, much better, now it’s a question of time. Of course we need him and, yeah, it’s good.”
06:28 PM
Is rustiness a danger after the World Cup?
By James Ducker, Northern Football Correspondent
Pep Guardiola believes that Manchester City's players who were involved at the Qatar World Cup are in better shape than those who stayed at home.
“In terms of a question of rhythm, the players who were at the World Cup are better than Riyad [Mahrez], Erling [Haaland], Cole [Palmer], Sergio [Gomez],” said Guardiola, who played down any prospect of reinforcements in the January transfer window.
“So yeah, we talked today: ‘Guys, back to business’. The first opponent [Liverpool] was the toughest we can face in the last few years, our big rival, and it’s the best proof to know how we are, how we can do it, because then we have Leeds and it’s non-stop.
“Our schedule in January is terrible in terms of the amount of games and the quality of the opponents. We have to restart. This is what we have done against Liverpool and hopefully we can continue.”
Although Julian Alvarez is due to miss the Leeds match after winning the World Cup with Argentina nine days ago, Erling Haaland - who scored his 24th goal of the season in the win over Liverpool - will lead the line for City providing he is passed fit.
06:24 PM
Guardiola fears for City if gap to Arsenal grows any bigger
By James Ducker, Northern Football Correspondent
Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City may struggle to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal if the gap at the top gets any bigger - particularly with a January from hell around the corner.
Arsenal moved eight points clear of City courtesy of a 3-1 comeback win over West Ham on Monday, when the champions were also leapfrogged by Newcastle United, who are seven points behind the leaders.
And Guardiola has told his players there is no margin for error and they must resume their title defence with a bang, starting at Leeds on Tuesday night.
“I would have preferred another opponent than Leeds in that moment after the World Cup,” the City manager said.
“They are the most aggressive team in the Premier League, statistically. It’s one of the toughest games. They don’t give you time to think and you have to be precise, you have to be at a high level to do it in the situations you have.
“And after our defeat against Brentford, and with how strong Arsenal are, as well as the opponents who come from behind, we have to be alert and careful, because if the distance is bigger, it will be so difficult to catch them.”
Guardiola said he was encouraged by City’s performance in the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool last Thursday and insists there can be no let up as they bid to rein in Arsenal, all the more so given their tough run of fixtures early in the New Year.
After Leeds and Everton on Saturday, City’s next three league fixtures are away to Chelsea and Manchester United and then at home to Tottenham, during which period they also face an FA Cup third round tie against Chelsea and Carabao Cup quarter-final at Southampton.
Full team news on the way shortly.
