Foden urges Man City to 'kick on' after Leeds victory

Phil Foden is keen for Manchester City to "kick on" from their last-gasp 3-2 win over Leeds United in the Premier League.

City were beaten by Newcastle United last weekend, but thanks to a 91st-minute winner from Foden on Saturday, they got back to winning ways and moved up to second in the table.

The England international had opened the scoring in the first minute, with Josko Gvardiol doubling City's advantage, but Leeds clawed their way back into the game thanks to goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

Foden's opener was scored after just 59 seconds – the earliest goal for City in a Premier League game at the Etihad since September 2019 (David Silva scored 52 seconds in against Watford).

It was the first time City had conceded at least two goals against a promoted team since April 2021 (also Leeds at the Etihad), but Foden was thrilled that they could come away with all three points after a difficult second half.

"It's up there as one of the wildest games," he said. "We had full control in the first half. They changed their system in the second half, and we couldn't get going.

"It was a frustrating half. But when there was a short break, the manager got us together, and we adapted to their formation. We had a few half-chances, and finally, I've found a bit of space and found the bottom of the net.

"There are still things we can improve. We're delighted with the result.

"The title race is never straightforward. There's always ups and downs and periods where you can't seem to get going, and we've had that.

"The belief and togetherness came through at the end. Hopefully, that's the case that we can kick on from here. But you never know what to expect.

"I was so hungry today to play and prove to myself I could still score goals. I missed a few chances against Newcastle and wanted to put it right."

Leeds have now lost four consecutive top-flight matches, equalling their longest losing streak from their previous top-flight campaign in 2022-23.

However, after failing to have an on-target shot in the first half, Leeds had more shots (seven to four) and created a higher expected goals (xG) tally (1.4 to 0.3) than City after the break.

They also had three Opta-defined 'big' chances, and Daniel Farke says that although it was a frustrating result, he is proud.

"We came here not for compliments, we wanted to win some points, so it's always disappointing," he told BBC Sport.

"We made the worst possible start, conceding in the first minute and then from a set-piece. But I have to give many, many compliments to my lads. Terrific second half.

"I think we fully deserved to equalise the game. It was open, and both teams could have won it, but the classy effort from Phil Foden was heartbreaking for my lads.

"Overriding feeling is that we're disappointed because we deserve something, but my boys should be proud of themselves for how they reacted to the worst possible start and should take lots of confidence out of this. I'm proud of them."