Erling Haaland became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 20 goals as Manchester City defeated a tenacious Leeds to cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to five points.
After being frustrated by a disciplined and determined home side and their own profligacy for much of the first half at Elland Road, City snatched the lead just before the break through Rodri’s follow-up finish and then sped away in a one-sided second half.
After having a couple of efforts saved early in the game, Haaland – playing in his hometown against the team he supports – did not celebrate his goals but showed little mercy in securing them to bring up his impressive tally in only his 14th game of the season.
He couldn’t miss for his first goal, set up by the selfless Jack Grealish, who had himself missed a hat-trick of good chances in the first 45 minutes.
Grealish set up Haaland’s second goal, which he slotted in from close range after a deflection, leaving Leeds with too much ground to make up.
In keeping with their performance, the hosts refused to give up and equalized through Pascal Struijk’s header from a corner.
And had Joe Gelhardt’s poked finish not trickled the wrong side of the post, they could have set up a grandstand finish.
City, on the other hand, won to reclaim second place behind Arsenal and two points ahead of third-placed Newcastle, both of whom won on Monday.
Leeds is in 15th place with 15 points, one of 11 teams separated by only eight points in the relegation battle.