Leeds analysis: Farke's men fighting but come up shortpublished at 20:06 GMT 28 February
20:06 GMT 28 February
Shamoon Hafez Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds fans were buoyed by their team's bright start, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin could not provide the goal that would have raised the roof.
Players and supporters alike will have left pondering what could have been against the title challengers, but this is a familiar outcome: Leeds have now lost their past six Premier League games against Manchester City.
Brenden Aaronson poked wide from close range and James Justin had an effort smothered by Gianluigi Donnarumma in a flurry of first-half chances for the home team.
Substitute Jaka Bijol headed wide late on as Leeds searched for an equaliser, but a goal was to remain elusive.
Leeds could have put daylight between themselves and the bottom three after West Ham's defeat at Liverpool earlier on Saturday, but they remain six points outside the drop zone.
Leeds 0-1 Man City: What Riemer and Gruev saidpublished at 20:04 GMT 28 February
20:04 GMT 28 February
Media caption,
Eddie Riemer speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I just had a short chat [with Daniel Farke]. Six minutes added time, they were time wasting and there were incidents; the goalkeeper keeping the ball so he was emotional in terms of going on the pitch and asking. Maybe he did it in a too aggressive manner I would think. I am disappointed because he's never a manager who's over aggressive or over reacting. I think it's a very harsh decision.
On the performance today: "I'm completely pleased with performance. There are parts you need to suffer and wait but we pushed City all the way, I'm completely proud of the boys it's just a shame we didn't get anything out of the game.
"I'm disappointed we didn't score but that's football. Playing City, not many teams have many more chances than we did. Fair play to them. They overloaded the left side, good run, good finish."
Leeds United defender Ilia Gruev, speaking to Sky Sports: "Really frustrating. I think it was a great atmosphere and a great game from our side. The first 20-25 minutes we're so on to them. Disappointing because I thought we played a really good game today.
"This was the time and we had two three great chances. You have to score at least one.
"When you play against City they normally have more of the ball than you, but you know you have your moments then you can win some balls."
On the ending: "Emotions, they want to win, but we also want to win. It was ana exhausting game - emotions involved and this is quite normal."
Did you know?
Following his goal there for Bournemouth in September, Antoine Semenyo became just the second player to score at Elland Road for two different teams in a single Premier League season after Robbie Keane in 2002-03 (for Leeds United and Tottenham).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Everton", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Man Citypublished at 11:18 GMT 28 February
11:18 GMT 28 February
This will be a great game. I was at Etihad Stadium when these two teams met in November, and it was a real turning point in Leeds' season.
City were 2-0 up at half-time but Leeds boss Daniel Farke put Dominic Calvert-Lewin on and had a real go.
They fought back to 2-2 and although they still lost to a last-gasp Phil Foden goal, that performance transformed them - they've been a different team in recent weeks compared with the way they started the season.
This is the sort of game where, if you are a City fan, you are thinking we have to go to Elland Road and win if we are going to win the title.
Leaders Arsenal did exactly that a few weeks ago, and blew Leeds away.
Can City do the same? I am not sure - especially if we class this Saturday evening kick-off as a night game, because Leeds' record in those under Farke is extraordinary - out of 21 so far, they have won 18 and drawn three.
It's hard to call, so this was one of the games where I was thinking: "What would Einstein say?"
He was better at physics than he was at predictions, but I reckon he would have calculated that the floodlights will inspire Leeds again - but City will still come out on top.
So, my theory is that City will win. They don't have the same control in midfield any more, but they have so much firepower - as well as Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo are both in good form.
Haaland is not exactly playing a different role now, but he is showing what an intelligent footballer he is. I don't see Leeds keeping them out.
Leeds v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:44 GMT 27 February
19:44 GMT 27 February
Paul Birch BBC Sport journalist
Title-chasing Manchester City have a difficult match at Leeds as they hunt for a win to put the pressure back on rivals Arsenal. BBC Sport looks at the key themes going into the game at Elland Road.
Manchester City's title credentials face the sternest of tests as they take on one of the trickiest trips in the Premier League - Elland Road under the lights.
Pep Guardiola's advice to his City players after securing a hard-fought win over Newcastle last Saturday was to unwind with caipirinha and daiquiri cocktails and "enjoy life".
However, any relaxation they felt on their days off will be quickly shaken out of them the moment they step out to a wall of noise on Saturday.
As one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the Premier League, Leeds fans make Elland Road as intimidating as possible for opposition players, particularly at night.
They have not lost any of their past 25 league or play-off matches at home that kicked off after 5pm for nearly three years, since a 6-1 defeat by Liverpool in April 2023.
Their home record this season has seen them lose just three of 13 league games, with two of those against the other sides making up the top three with City in Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Daniel Farke's side are on a run of just two defeats in 14 league games, but eight of those have ended in draws. The Leeds boss will be keen to turn one point into three given how fierce the relegation battle is set to be. They are currently six points clear of the bottom three with 11 games to go.
It has taken Farke's side 11 fewer games to match their points tally from their last Premier League season of 31, which resulted in relegation. Getting over the magical 40-point mark looks set to be the minimum requirement to survive this time round.
One omen for Leeds fans: Manchester City have only conceded two or more goals in three of their past 52 Premier League games against newly promoted teams - however, two were against Leeds (Leeds won 2-1 in April 2021, City won 3-2 in November 2025), while the other was against Farke's Norwich in September 2019 (City lost 3-2).
City looking to put pressure back on Arsenal
Manchester City can at least draw on the fact they have won their past two matches at Elland Road. They last secured a trio of victories there on their opening three visits between 1924 and 1928.
With this game coming a day before leaders Arsenal play Chelsea at home, Guardiola's side know they can ramp up the pressure on the Gunners with a win, something they have been good at doing of late.
Their only defeat in their past 14 Premier League games when playing the day before Arsenal (W10, D3) was a 2-1 loss at Newcastle earlier this season.
City's talisman Erling Haaland speaks affectionally about Leeds, but showed the city of his birth zero mercy on his only previous visit there with a brace. He could become the first visiting player to score two or more goals in consecutive Premier League matches at Elland Road.
'Bright lights and hangovers surely aren't the perfect mix'published at 08:08 GMT 27 February
08:08 GMT 27 February
Jonathan Buchan Sports Editor BBC Radio Leeds
Media caption,
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the type of player who thrives under the spotlight, with no lights brighter than those at Elland Road for a Premier League night game.
Everton,West Ham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have all been beaten under the glare of the towering floodlights this season. It has always been a special place for a night game, from epic Champions League fixtures through to the modern day. There is no doubt the atmosphere created by the North and South Stands in particular impact those in white, and their opponents.
When I spoke to a very relaxed DCL and James Justin at the club's training ground this week, the mention of Elland Road under the lights brought a smile to both of their faces.
The former Everton man has scored four goals in those aforementioned games. Our conversation of course included an England angle, with the 28 year old admitting he is yet to receive a call from Thomas Tuchel, but his phone remains on.
Adding to his tally of 10 this weekend, against the second best defence in the division, would be some feat and would surely only increase the calls for international recognition.
It also wouldn't be the biggest shock if he did find the back of the net with it being a 5:30pm kick off and a fixture played under the intensity of those Elland Road lights.
City's players were given time off to have "a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris" this week according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Bright lights and hangovers surely aren't the perfect mix!
Farke on team news, Elland Road spirit and Man Citypublished at 14:21 GMT 26 February
14:21 GMT 26 February
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Elland Road (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson "has recovered" so is available for Saturday's match and only Noah Okafor (hamstring) remains sidelined.
He said his players "are ready and available and in a good mood and want to play".
On facing Manchester City: "It's a big challenge for us and a big task but it's one we are looking forward to. They are in red-hot form and we have an underdog role - we have to take it."
He said there aren't too many differences to his side since the two teams last met in November but "to give one of the best teams in the world a proper go was good for belief".
On what they can do to disrupt City: "We need an excellent day to be successful. We know about our home form, and what we have done to Elland Road, but we also have to be realistic. We have to make sure we go over the line [of expectation] in our physical output, spirit and mentality."
More from Farke: "We have to be spot-on with our game plan, super effective in both boxes and then we are perhaps able to make a tight game out of this. We have shown several times this season that we can deliver convincing performances and make something out of tight games."
He added that "everyone will need to chip in" and "we will need our supporters to carry us so we need an atmosphere second to none".
He said if they have all of that then they "have the chance to create a chapter in Leeds United's history, but for that to be realistic we all need to go over the line [of expectation]".
'You have to stay switched on every day'published at 08:04 GMT 26 February
08:04 GMT 26 February
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds full-back James Justin feels the side will not be "scrapping" for survival at the end of the season if they can keep turning out the performances they have been doing.
A turnaround in form in December has seen the Whites picking up crucial points on their way to moving six clear of the relegation zone.
Daniel Farke's side now face a tough match to keep their positive run of form going when they host title-chasing Manchester City on Saturday.
Speaking alongside striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin about their battle to stay in the league with 11 games remaining, James told BBC Radio Leeds: "We've been in this position before, through all of the years that [Calvert-Lewin] has been in the Premier League and that I've experienced in the Premier League.
"Something people get caught up too much in is looking at the table - it's just about what you're doing on the weekend in terms of performances and turning into points.
"At the end of the day, that is going to keep us up - how many points you have on the board. If we keep turning out performances like we're doing, and keep our run going, then we shouldn't be scrapping for it.
"Obviously, it's the Premier League at the end of the day, and there's many big clubs down there at the bottom fighting it out for who's going to stay up, so you have to stay switched on every day and keep working hard every day. Then we'll see where we're at at the end of the season."
Calvert-Lewin, who joined the club in the summer, added: "We've been fortunate to play a lot of our career in the Premier League and with that comes knowledge and experience that we can only try to spread across the group in moments when it's most needed.
"There are times in games when we can lean on our experience and try to manage the game ourselves, but also help others manage the game as well.
"If you look at us from the start of the season to where we are now, we've grown as a group and each individual has grown and got more confident and learned from experiences - good and bad.
"That's the most important thing - not only do we try and help each other, but everyone holds themselves accountable as well, which they do."
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🎧 Calvert-Lewin and Justin talk all things Leedspublished at 18:31 GMT 25 February
18:31 GMT 25 February
Media caption,
Before Saturday's meeting with Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Justin have sat down with BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan to discuss the Whites' survival bid.
Here is a taste of what they discussed...
Justin: "From where we were at the start of the season to where we're at now, I feel the group has a lot more confidence and that feeling of belonging in the Premier League."
Calvert-Lewin: "A word you hear a lot is momentum, and that can work positively or negatively. At the moment, we have positive momentum with the run that we're on.
"Credit to us - we turned that round at a crucial moment of the season. We've learned from that and have that momentum at the moment. We have to keep driving high standards and see where that takes us."
Listen to the full chat with by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here
Are Leeds becoming a 'destination' club?published at 08:40 GMT 25 February
08:40 GMT 25 February
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope considers Pep Guardiola's comments on letting his Manchester City players have some time off for drinks and relaxation before returning to training in the build-up to facing Leeds.
"Clearly he's trying to get an edge over Mikel Arteta," Pope told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
"How do you get an edge on someone you worked so closely with?
"Arsenal went and answered a lot of critics at Tottenham. It's on Man City now against Leeds.
"I have people messaging me saying 'if Leeds play their game, they have every chance of getting a point'.
"There's one thing this Premier League has shown, nobody is impenetrable this season.
"Leeds have surprised everybody to the point now where they are not surprising people by getting results. It's going to be a tough ask for City.
"This Leeds side don't lie down, they don't let anybody really steamroller them at all, the Arsenal game aside.
"The way Leeds are talked about in the league now, not just one of the plucky sides, but how well they are set up."
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix raised the prospect of a poisoned chalice if the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Jayden Bogle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Joe Rodon impress so much this season that big bids come in for their services.
Pope replied: "It's the place where you want to be in terms of if your players are doing that well, they are talked about and wanted.
"But then, Leeds are going to become a club you want to stay at. Not just relegation fodder. I know you need two years to settle into the Premier League but it feels like it is becoming more and more of a destination place as a club rather than just the sort of place to play Premier League football.
"Yes there will be bids but I can see Leeds hanging on."
Milner presented with three Guinness World Records titlespublished at 18:58 GMT 24 February
18:58 GMT 24 February
Image source, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
As well as a Champions League title, three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two Community Shields to James Milner's name, he now has three Guinness World Record titles.
After Milner overtook Gareth Barry's record of 653 Premier League appearances in Brighton's 2-0 victory over Brentford, Milner's overall top-flight appearances now sits at 654.
The 40-year-old has also set two other records, which now means he holds the longest gap between his first and last Premier League goals (22 years 248 days) and for the most consecutive Premier League seasons played (24).
Milner said: "When I was younger, I used to get the Guinness World Records book for Christmas every year. So this is pretty amazing."
How many points for safety?published at 11:18 GMT 24 February
11:18 GMT 24 February
Image source, Getty Images
The team on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast have consulted the abacus to see what may be needed to secure Premier League safety.
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope said: "I am thinking 38 will probably be enough. Others will take points off each other and some will continue to spiral. I am going to stick to 38.
"I think Leeds look better than them all."
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix spoke of a "great point" at Aston Villa on Sunday and added: "I still feel like late 30s.
"It's not that many more points, if we can beat Burnley at home, Wolves at home and Sunderland at home, we'll have 40. I think that's enough. Anything else is bonus points."
'Blossoming cult hero' will spend his peak years at Elland Roadpublished at 07:51 GMT 24 February
07:51 GMT 24 February
Adonis Storr Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
On Anton Stach's social media accounts this season, he has cosplayed as Wolverine from the X-Men, Wednesday Adams and, before the Aston Villa game on Saturday, Cruella de Ville.
The German's quirky humour has kept his team-mates' spirits high, but his performances have stood out even more than his oddly delightful posts.
By January, the midfielder was standing statistically above the entire league being the only player to make over two tackles (2.1), have over two shots (2.2) and create more than two chances (2.4) per 90 minutes.
He is the only player to hit those numbers for any newly promoted club in the past 15 years.
But it is his direct free-kicks that are the most eye-catching.
After Saturday, Stach has scored directly from three free-kicks now this season – a screamer into Wolves' top corner in September, a floated, curled effort past Crystal Palace in December, and Saturday's goal-of-the-season contender at Villa Park.
In finding a set-piece specialist, Leeds have unearthed a rarity – Stach's three goals from free-kicks is the most anyone has scored direct from a set-piece in Europe's top five leagues since the start of last season.
The German is a tall, imposing figure, as adept at defending as he is at attacking, a classic number eight reminiscent of Gary McAllister.
He is on a four-year contract and, at 27, will spend his peak years in West Yorkshire. He is likely to define Leeds' next few seasons as they attempt to cement themselves as a Premier League mainstay.
Stach is blossoming into a cult hero, capable of the spectacular on and off the pitch. And a few more performances like the one against Aston Villa and he will be staking a claim for player of the season by May.
Leeds came so close to a second away victory in the Premier League after Anton Stach's superb free-kick had them ahead until hosts Aston Villa equalised in the dying minutes.
Adam Pope and Simon Rix discuss United's valuable point despite the propensity to concede late goals.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Trevor: Lacklustre. It's a shame because we made too many errors. We have a tough game next Friday against Wolves. We need to have a better gameplan, and gee up those players that didn't give it their all.
Prit: Leeds played extraordinary well and Daniel Farke is doing a great job. As for Villa, we were poor for large parts of the game and I think Unai Emery got the team selection wrong. Villa need to be starting with Tammy Abraham as Ollie Watkins has failed too many times this season. Leon Bailey is a good player to bring on as sub - but we can't start with him. We needed three points but deserved only one. We desperately need John McGinn and Youri Tielemans back as soon as possible - otherwise, we will sleepwalk out of the top four.
Matthew: While injuries have ripped the literal heart out of this Aston Villa side, for over an hour the 11 on the pitch showed no metaphorical heart either. The confidence and perseverance that has characterised much of the season was absent. It wasn't until the introduction of Ross Barkley and Jadon Sancho that we finally got some of the stability and cutting edge we needed, allowing a much better final 20 minutes or so. Overall, though, not good enough from too many players, especially the woeful Bailey.
Martyn: This was never going to be an easy game and we just never got going until it was too late. Even Superman Rogers was pretty anonymous and it must be time to drop Watkins for Tammy. But hey - a top five finish is within sight and completely under our own control. Catch us if you can!
Leeds fans
Eric: It says something when we come away from Villa unhappy that we dropped two points, instead of being happy that we came away from a top four club with one point. Bit frustrated, though, at once again conceding right at the death - close, but just not close enough.
Fazzinho: Farke deserves a lot of credit. The team is overachieving based on their cost and ability. We're not there yet, but two away draws against top four teams is unbelievable.
Andy: I know every point is a good point, but we are dropping too many points from winning positions. More points dropped because the manager can't identify when he needs to make substitutions. Ilia Gruev ran himself into the ground but from 70 minutes onwards the game screamed out for Dan James as an outlet, as he doesn't shirk the defensive work.
Henrik: A gritty display with a degree of luck. We take the point and move further towards safety.
Analysis: Inching towards safety, but disappointment at late goalpublished at 17:39 GMT 21 February
17:39 GMT 21 February
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
For Leeds, who won the Championship last season, this was a step closer to securing their top-flight status for another campaign, although they will be hugely disappointed to have not held on for all three points.
They looked to be in trouble at the end of November but since December they have collected 20 points from 14 games, only losing twice in that period.
Before the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the beginning of the month, Farke said they needed 12 points to ensure survival - and they now have five of those after a win and two draws.
Although the manner of Anton Stach's wonderful strike surprised most of those in a sold-out Villa Park, the visitors had been good value for their lead with 10-goal top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin a constant handful.
On the first of two good chances, a heavy touch enabled Ezri Konsa to recover and make a perfectly-timed sliding challenge. Calvert-Lewin's touch was much better on the second occasion as he raced on to Jayden Bogle's well-weighted ball over the top, only for Calvert-Lewin to be denied by Emi Martinez's excellent save.
In the second half, Leeds had to defend deeply but did create a couple of chances.
Calvert-Lewin had an effort saved by Martinez, who also saved a diving header from Lukas Nmecha, and the failure to score a second proved costly.
Image source, Getty Images
