Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City sailed to a 3-1 win over Leeds United in the first Premier League outing post the World Cup break. Rodri and the free-scoring Erling Haaland were on target for the defending league champions as the latter bagged a brace to add to his already inflating tally of league goals. Leeds did pull one back through Pascal Struijk, but it was too little too late for the home side.
However, despite a brilliant all-round performance from City, it was their manager Pep Guardiola who got into the news. The animated Spaniard was once again filled with emotions on the sidelines as his team needed a win at all costs to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal who still hold a two-point lead over them. With his City looking a bit shaky towards the closing stages, Guardiola expressed in frustration in the most ‘managerial’ way, by kicking a bottle, which however landed in the Leeds’ dugout.
Pep Guardiola hugs and issues apology to the Leeds coach who got hit
Pep Guardiola is quite known for some antics and smashing his team at even the slightest of mistakes. Although City had comfortably closed the game, they still left a small passage for Leeds to sense a comeback. Struijk’s 73rd minute strike pulled the scoreline from 3-0 to 3-1, with just over 15 minutes left. Leeds then tried to do the unthinkable, staging a comeback, and even had a couple of glaring chances which went begging.
On the other hand, the City manager was furious at his players for allowing Leeds so much of space in front of the goal to do their things and threaten Ederson’s post. Guardiola’s anger burst out as he kicked a water bottle lying on the touchline of City’s dugout, which eventually landed a blow to one of the coaches seated on the Leeds’ bench.
While the mishap was unintended, Guardiola, in shock holding his head with his hands quickly made a run towards the their opponents’ dugout and issued an apology to the person who got hit and shared a warm hug a well. The incident bagged so many headlines and the attention of the fans that even Haaland’s brace couldn’t manage.
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 28, 2022
City finished the game with all three points in their bag after seeing-off the late spark from a young Leeds team. The win moved them to second place in the table, which was occupied by Newcastle United for a short period of time after their thumping win over Leicester City the other day. However, they still lag behind Arsenal, who are unprecedently fighting for the title.
Meanwhile, speaking about the win in his post-match presser, Pep Guardiola said:
“I’m more than satisfied, in all aspects. It’s the most intense Premier League team and we were able to move the ball quicker to arrive in our positions. We were patient enough. In the second half we didn’t control it as well but in general it was perfect. We created chances so I’m so satisfied.”
City now their attention to the weekend’s matchday where they welcome Everton on December 31. Guardiola made many a rotations to his side against Leeds, and the same is expected against the Toffees as the Spaniard needs all his players fit and firing after coming back from the tournament in Qatar for the busy schedule that lies ahead for them.