Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said it was “heartbreaking” for his players to concede a late winner against Man City after fighting their way back into the game.
City raced into an early lead after Phil Foden scored inside the first minute, before Josip Gvardiol doubled their advantage midway through the first half at Eastlands.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back shortly after the break and went on to win a penalty for the visitors. Lukas Nmecha failed to convert from 12 yards out, but he made no mistake on the rebound from Gianluigi Donnarumma’s save.
Their spirited comeback was ultimately for nought, however, as Phil Foden fired in his second goal in a crowded area in stoppage time.
Leeds United ‘heartbroken’ by late Man City winner
“We came here not for compliments or warm words, we came here for points,” Farke told BBC Sport. “We had the worst possible start to this game. Normally if you want points here you have to win the set-pieces. I have to give many compliments to my lads. We deserved to equalise. Both teams could have won it.
“Heartbreaking for my lads. We’re disappointed because we deserved something but my boys should be proud of how they reacted to the worst possible start. They should take lots of confidence out of this.”
Asked if the performance gives Leeds belief, Farke replied: “We had the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can’t come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit.
“We didn’t reach the Premier League in a lottery. We fully deserve to play in this league. Except Arsenal away we’ve had tight games and sometimes been the better side. One of toughest places against one of best teams in the world. I’d have preferred points but I’m very happy with the performance.
“We do our speaking on the pitch. Actions speak louder than words. We’ve shown a really good performance. We played against one of the best teams in Europe. We’ve shown wherever we go if we are concentrated and focused we have the quality to win points.”
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