Leeds had made City work hard for their chances but were rarely able to cope with the champions’ slick passing and movement. For their second goal, a tired pass from the captain Liam Cooper to the oblivious Robin Koch was intercepted by boo-boy Jack Grealish, giving him the freedom of the half, he drew out the goalkeeper and slipped the ball to Haaland to knock into an empty net for his 19th of the campaign. Grealish enjoyed the goal more than Haaland after receiving plenty of Elland Road rancour throughout.
The difference in class was obvious from the first minute and did not subside for the next 46, culminating with Rodri scoring with City’s 16th shot of the half in stoppage-time. Haaland, who grew up with an Erik Bakke shirt on his wall, and Grealish combined again for a fine one-two to create the 20th of the season for City’s No 9, as Grealish passed the ball perfectly back to the Leeds-born striker to find the corner, via Illan Meslier’s hand, to end the match as a contest in the 64th minute, even though Pascal Struijk headed home a corner to offer vague hope. Within the opening 40 seconds Haaland could have given City the lead when he latched onto Nathan Aké’s over the top pass.
The Norwegian saw the advancing Meslier, who passed a fitness test to play, and tried to lob the goalkeeper but the Frenchman’s outstretched hand diverted the ball off target, allowing a defender to clear as it bounced in the six-yard box, leaving Alfie, watching from the stands, to cling onto parity. City looked sharper in the opening stages, helped by an intense welcome back to domestic football after the World Cup in their win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup last week. Leeds had not played a competitive match since their 4-3 defeat to Tottenham on 12 November and the tempo tired them quickly, possibly explaining the error that gifted the second. Eighteen-year-old Rico Lewis, on his full Premier League debut, showed what it means to be a full-back in a Pep Guardiola side. Despite celebrating his latest birthday during the World Cup, he fully understands the needs and rigours of his role. He would often drift into central midfield to get hold of the ball but was also available on the wing to help create chances, such as the shot swept wide by Kevin De Bruyne from the edge of the box.
Jesse Marsch looked like a man needing to release energy after a month and a half without patrolling the touchline in anger. Every decision that went against his team was met with gesticulation and a quickening of step towards the touchline. The only true distraction for Leeds fans was creating chants for Kalvin Phillips, who warmed up to chants of “He eats what he wants”, “you fat bastard” and “you’re too fat to play for Leeds” after Guardiola described him as “overweight” upon returning from the World Cup.
