Leeds United were unable to bridge the gap in quality on Saturday night as they lost 1-0 to title contenders Manchester City. Antoine Semenyo’s first-half goal proved the decider as the Whites fell to a rare home defeat.
Leeds gave as good as they got for much of the first half but were cut open in a crucial moment. Rayan Ait-Nouri ran beyond Anton Stach and placed a perfect cross into the path of Semenyo to make it 1-0 seconds before the break.
City controlled large parts of the second-half without seriously threatening to double their lead. Farke threw on some attacking reinforcements as Leeds pressed for a leveller but it never came, despite a flurry of late pressure and the best efforts of those inside Elland Road.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth was at Elland Road to watch the action. Here are his Leeds United player ratings...
13. Sub: Willy Gnonto
7 - Gave the ball away, gave away a free-kick and then steadied himself to help keep Leeds pushing forward towards the end | Getty Images
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14. Sub: Daniel James
6 - Very hit and miss with his final ball. At least one was excellent. A few weren't. Worked hard to get into good positions and threaten. | Getty Images
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15. Sub: Joel Piroe
6 - Couldn't really get into it or find the space to cause a problem. | Getty Images
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16. Sub: Jaka Bijol
7 - Fine on the ball, got up well for his big headed chance but couldn't direct it on target. | Getty Images
17. Referee: Peter Bankes
3 - Gave City the benefit of the doubt on so many occasions. Inconsistent. Fussy at times. Didn't seem to want to use his cards until near the end. Missed a stamp. | Getty Images