Leeds United were brushed aside with relative ease by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium as Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge of the Whites ended in defeat.
The 2-1 scoreline somewhat flattered Leeds’ performance, which saw them forfeit the lion’s share of possession to the Premier League champions and create few opportunities of their own. Ilkay Gundogan’s first half brace made the game’s outcome something of a foregone conclusion; his two strikes carbon copies of each other, set up by Riyad Mahrez on the right-hand side.
Leeds, however did appear more resolute in the second half, insofar as not suffering further concessions, despite a number of Erling Haaland’s efforts hitting the woodwork instead of the back of the net, on a day in which chances simply wouldn’t fall for the Leeds-born City frontman.
Substitute Rodrigo struck back for Leeds minutes after Gundogan had hit Joel Robles’ post with a spot-kick, but it proved not enough for the Whites to come away with anything.
Here are Graham Smyth’s full-time player ratings from the Etihad Stadium.
1. Joel Robles - 6
Made a couple of big saves. A dropped cross and a couple of errant kicks aside he was solid enough. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
2. Luke Ayling - 5
Dug in. Given a difficult time of it defensively but didn't go under, didn't give much joy to the hosts. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
3. Rasmus Kristensen - 4
Couldn't keep Haaland quiet but who can? Celebrated a couple of challenges. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
4. Max Wober - 5
Made some big blocks and challenges. Distribution was patchy from the back, albeit under pressure (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
5. Junior Firpo - 4
Unable to lay a glove on Mahrez for both goals. Improved in the second half and got forward to knock the ball down for Rodrigo. (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Photo: Martin Rickett
6. Weston McKennie - 3
Didn't get near Gundogan for either goal. Couldn't make a telling impact. Picked up a booking for kicking the ball away at 2-1 down. (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Photo: Martin Rickett