By Kevin Akor
Antoine Semenyo scored the decisive goal as Manchester City secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, narrowing the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal in the absence of Erling Haaland.
Semenyo found the net late in the first half at Elland Road, registering his sixth goal since joining from Bournemouth in January. The result moved second-placed City within two points of Arsenal, who host London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.
City’s fourth consecutive league win came without Haaland, who was sidelined after sustaining a minor injury in training on Thursday.
“A little injury. It’s not a big issue but not ready for today,” City manager Pep Guardiola said before kick-off.
The club hopes Haaland will return for Wednesday’s fixture against Nottingham Forest.
Despite not being at their fluent best, City’s resilience in a hostile atmosphere ensured they kept control of their title destiny. Guardiola’s side, chasing a seventh league title under his leadership, will clinch the crown if they win their remaining 10 matches, regardless of Arsenal’s results. City will also have a game in hand after this weekend and are set to host Arsenal in April.
Leeds had early chances, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing a clear opportunity after dragging Brenden Aaronson’s cross wide when only Gianluigi Donnarumma stood in his way.
The match was briefly halted at dusk to allow Muslim players from both sides, including City’s Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri, to break their Ramadan fast. Despite an announcement explaining the pause, some fans jeered as players stepped aside.
Leeds continued to threaten, with Calvert-Lewin and Aaronson coming close, while Donnarumma produced key saves to keep City level. Guardiola’s frustration was evident as City failed to register a shot on target in the opening 39 minutes.
However, City struck in first-half stoppage time through a well-worked move. Cherki’s precise pass released Ait-Nouri into the box, and his low cross was met by Semenyo, who slid home from close range.
City improved after the break and created further chances. Marmoush missed from close range after Ruben Dias’ mishit effort, while Marc Guehi’s header from a Cherki corner was tipped away by Karl Darlow.
Leeds pushed for an equaliser late on, with Jaka Bijol heading narrowly wide from a corner, but City held firm to secure a crucial three points in the title race.
