Phil Foden’s stoppage-time winner secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Manchester City against Leeds at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 29 November 2025, keeping Pep Guardiola’s side in touch with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
City had squandered a two-goal lead at half-time, with substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin proving a thorn in their side. The 28-year-old scored in the 49th minute and then won the penalty that Lukas Nmecha converted in the 68th minute to level the scores. Calvert-Lewin’s directness and pace exposed City’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly down the flanks.
The winning moment arrived when Rayan Cherki supplied Foden, who ran along the left side of Leeds’ penalty area to slot past Lucas Perri in the second minute of added time. Guardiola’s relief was palpable as City finally claimed the points.
City’s earlier goal came through a move involving Nico González, Josko Gvardiol, and Matheus Nunes, culminating in Foden’s first strike, which hit the bar before finding the net. Tijjani Reijnders headed home from a corner, with Gvardiol finishing, giving City a 2-0 lead before Leeds’ comeback. Video assistant referee checks confirmed no offside.
Leeds’ resurgence followed half-time substitutions by Daniel Farke, with Calvert-Lewin and Jaka Bijol coming on for Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James. Calvert-Lewin’s threat forced errors from Nunes and Gvardiol, allowing him to score and then win the penalty that Nmecha converted after Donnarumma initially saved.
Despite City creating multiple chances through Bernardo Silva, Nico O’Reilly, and Erling Haaland, Leeds remained in contention until Foden’s decisive strike.
