Ilkay Gundogan’s first-half double condemned Sam Allardyce to defeat in his first game in charge of Leeds as Manchester City held on to a 2-1 win to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Gundogan struck twice inside 27 minutes at the Etihad Stadium to all-but extinguish any chance of Leeds enjoying a new-manager bounce under Allardyce, as the champions piled the pressure on title rivals Arsenal ahead of their Super Sunday trip to Newcastle.
City were cruising to a comfortable victory until hat-trick hunting Gundogan took a penalty – ahead of record-breaking marksman Erling Haaland – and hit the post, and Leeds pulled a goal back through Rodrigo 58 seconds later.
City would see out a 10th successive Premier League victory, but the late drama left Pep Guardiola incensed and conjured belief that Allardyce may just be able to steer Leeds – who remain outside the relegation zone on goal difference – to safety before the season is up.
