Phil Foden delivered a masterclass at the Etihad, becoming the undisputed hero of Manchester City’s thrilling 3–2 victory over Leeds United. The England international struck just seconds after kick-off to open the scoring — and then sealed the win deep into added time, rescuing City after a dramatic late scare.

The match offered everything Premier League fans crave: high tempo, end-to-end attacks and a rollercoaster of emotions. Even Pep Guardiola’s side had their share of contradictions. Defender Joško Gvardiol scored one moment and conceded a penalty the next. Giacomo Nmecha failed to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from the spot on the first attempt, but City’s defence reacted slowly, gifting Leeds a repeat opportunity — one they did not waste.

But in the first minute of stoppage time, with the score locked at 2–2, Foden stepped forward again. After a sharp pass from Rayan Cherki, the midfielder controlled the ball in the heart of the box and stroked a precise low shot into the corner — 3–2, City survive, City celebrate.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Manchester City - Leeds United 3:2 (2:0)
Goals: Foden, 1 (1:0); Gvardiol, 25 (2:0); Calvert-Lewin, 49 (2:1); Nmecha L., 68 (2:2); Foden, 90 (3:2)

Manchester City: Donnarumma G.; Dias R.; Gvardiol; Reijnders (Cherki, 75); Nico González; Bernardo Silva (Marmoush, 89); Matheus Nunes; Foden; O'Reilly; Håland E.; Doku J.
Substitution: Cherki (from 75); Marmoush (from 89)
Bench: Trafford; Stones; Ake; Aït-Nouri; Khusanov; Lewis R.; Sávio Moreira
Yellow Cards: Matheus Nunes 55; Bernardo Silva 57; Gvardiol 66; Donnarumma G. 87

Leeds United: Perri; Bogle; Struijk; Rodon; Justin (Gudmundsson G., 69); Gruev; Ampadu; Tanaka A. (Aaronson, 90); James D. (Calvert-Lewin, 46); Nmecha L. (Okafor, 82); Gnonto (Bijol, 46)
Substitution: Bijol (from 46); Calvert-Lewin (from 46); Gudmundsson G. (from 69); Okafor (from 82); Aaronson (from 90)
Bench: Meslier; Byram; Harrison; Piroe
Yellow Cards: Rodon 58