Manchester City are looking to extend their lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with Leeds United the opponents tomorrow at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side went back to the summit in midweek with a 3-0 win over West Ham United.
The Hammers rocked up with a depleted squad because of a sickness bug in their camp.
They frustrated City in the first-half, keeping a very good shape to keep City at bay. But once Nathan Ake’s header broke the deadlock, things became easier.
A record-breaking goal from Erling Haaland followed, and Phil Foden then scored City’s 1000th goal under Guardiola to cap off a great night.
Up next for City is a Leeds side that are scrapping for their Premier League lives.
The Whites have lost four of their last five games, and that run of form has cost Javi Gracia his job at Elland Road.
The club have moved to appoint Sam Allardyce, who has produced some interesting soundbites ahead of this game, particularly the suggestion he is as good as Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta.
MCN spoke to Leeds fan and writer for Leeds United News Jordan Harris to ask about where it’s gone wrong, to gauge the mood around the appointment of Big Sam and to learn who City might need to be wary of on Saturday…
Where has it mainly been going wrong for Leeds this season?
JH: How long have you got? Jesse Marsch proved to be a poor replacement for Marcelo Bielsa. His playing style was all wrong for a squad which boasts real quality out wide. Having said that, sacking Marsch when we did was just as big a mistake as giving him the job in the first place. Leeds had no replacement lined up and that led eventually to Javi Gracia coming in.
Gracia started fairly well. But it has all fallen apart in recent weeks. Goals have been flying past Illan Meslier on a regular basis. And Leeds haven’t got the attacking quality to make up for that.
Who has been Leeds’ best player so far this season?
JH: This probably has to be Tyler Adams. Leeds are a much better side with the American in the team. And he’s done a brilliant job in the wake of Kalvin Phillips’ departure to Manchester City in the summer.
Losing him to injury just before the last international break has hurt us enormously. And it’s worrying to think that he may have already made his last appearance for the club. Special mention also has to go to Willy Gnonto. A shining light in another miserable campaign!
What is the general consensus within the fanbase about Leeds appointing Sam Allardyce for the last four games?
JH: A change probably had to be made if you are not going to write off this season. It feels bleak for Leeds right now with the fixtures we have coming up, starting with the trip to the Etihad.
Appointing Sam Allardyce has made Leeds something of a laughing stock – if we weren’t already. But we can only hope that something clicks and it proves to be a masterstroke at the final hurdle.
What must Big Sam do to keep Leeds in the Premier League?
JH: Sure up the defence. Any points could make a huge difference in the battle to stay up. So a clean sheet or two in the last four games could change everything.
The problem is we seem to have so little quality and confidence amongst the backline right now. So Allardyce can start by picking a defence based on who seems up for the fight.
Are there any Leeds players Manchester City might need to be wary of this weekend?
JH: Probably not. But in all seriousness, there is some quality in attack. Willy Gnonto has some magic up his sleeve. Former Manchester City youngster Jack Harrison has scored some big goals this season. And Crysencio Summerville is one of the only players who’s never afraid to get on the ball.
If Leeds are going to stand any chance of keeping City at bay on Saturday, we will need colossal performances from Illan Meslier or Joel Robles in goal, and Max Wober in the defence.
