Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 20 Premier League goals as Manchester City overcame a stubborn Leeds side to cut Arsenal’s lead at the table to five points.
A disciplined and determined home side for much of the first half at Elland Road and frustrated by their own excitement, City took the lead just before the break with Rodri’s follow-up finish and then went the distance in a one-sided second half. decided
Having seen some efforts saved earlier in the game, Holland – playing in his hometown against the team he supports – did not celebrate his goals but his impressive 14th game in the game. showed little mercy in securing them to obtain numbers. of the campaign.
They couldn’t miss for their first, in front of an open goal from the selfless Jack Grealish, who himself missed a hat-trick of good chances in the first 45 minutes.
Grealish was again the provider for Holland’s second, which he slotted home from close range after a deflection to help Leeds overcome a huge deficit.
Keeping up their display, the home side refused to lie down and pulled a goal back through Pascal Struic’s header from a corner.
And if Joe Gaelhardt’s poked finish hadn’t hit the wrong side of the post, they could have set up a sublime finish.
City, though, secured the win to move into second place behind the Gunners and two points clear of third-placed Newcastle, both of whom won on Monday.
The relegation battle is no less fierce, with Leeds in 15th place with 15 points and one of the 11 teams separated by just eight points.
The ruthless Haaland picks up where he left off.
With 16 of his teammates competing for the World Cup in Qatar, Holland was forced to watch from afar, at Norway’s failure to qualify and prepare himself for the next opponents. went.
Early signs were that Leeds might find a rest – not through any sentimentality about his hometown club, which he reportedly joined as a teenager, but a bit of competitive rustiness. .
Two chances that he made a habit of going round, or rather were saved by the impressive Whites keeper Alan Meisler.
Holland was not alone. Grealish was particularly futile, having already been jeered at by the home crowd with three misses, all of which should replace a player of his class.
However, after Rodriy broke the deadlock at the end of a quick break just before half-time, Holland and Grealish stepped up in style.
The latter won a ball high and later laid a goal on a plate for the latter before providing the assist for another easy finish. Two moments secured the points, despite the stroke providing late hope for the home side.
This was further proof of Holland’s threat. He can get forward most of the game, but he only needs a fraction of a yard or a glimpse of goal over a defender to hurt opponents.
In the end, Leeds were somewhat let off the hook, with the Norwegian missing a number of chances to register what would have been a fourth league hat-trick in a remarkable season in form.
After the full-time whistle, he shared a hug and chat with Leeds boss Jesse Marsh and defender Rasmus Christensen – former teammates at Red Bull Salzburg – while the home fans chanted “You’re Leeds and you know it.” They chanted slogans.
If he was taking a moment to take in the surroundings, it was only a brief one. He and City have just three days to prepare for the trip to Everton on New Year’s Eve. Victory will then put the heat on Arsenal, who play Brighton on the same evening.
