Antoine Semenyo’s first-half goal proved decisive as Manchester City claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, moving within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The striker continued his impressive scoring streak since his January move from Bournemouth, calmly finishing a rare chance for City in stoppage time before halftime to give the visitors the edge.
City’s fourth consecutive league win maintains the pressure on Arsenal ahead of their home clash with Chelsea on Sunday, while Leeds were left frustrated after squandering a string of early opportunities.
Daniel Farke’s side, fighting to avoid relegation, suffered only their third defeat in 15 league games, remaining six points above the drop zone despite a determined performance under the Elland Road floodlights.
Manchester City were without leading scorer Erling Haaland, who missed the trip with a minor training injury, opening the door for Rayan Cherki to start in his place.
Leeds fielded an unchanged lineup following their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
The home side started strongly, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing Brenden Aaronson’s early cross wide in the third minute.
Play was briefly paused in the 11th minute as City’s Muslim players observed the Ramadan fast, before Calvert-Lewin again narrowly missed from a tight angle.
Leeds dominated possession in the first half, with Aaronson and James Justin both denied by City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Jayden Bogle’s cross narrowly evading the mark.
City, however, gradually grew into the game and created their first significant chance when Nico O’Reilly’s header was brilliantly saved by Karl Darlow.
The breakthrough came just before halftime. Rayan Aït-Nouri surged down the left on Cherki’s precise through-ball and delivered a perfect cross for Semenyo to slot home from close range, marking his sixth goal in 11 appearances for City across all competitions.
The second half saw Leeds push aggressively, with Matheus Nunes blocking Calvert-Lewin in the box and Marc Guehi’s header kept out by Donnarumma.
Despite the home side’s tireless efforts, City controlled the game and limited clear-cut chances.
Leeds rallied late, with substitute Jaka Bijol heading narrowly wide, but City held firm to secure their 18th league victory of the campaign, reinforcing their pursuit of the Premier League summit.
