Semenyo strike secures crucial win for City as Leeds rue missed chances

Antoine Semenyo struck on the stroke of half-time to hand Manchester City a hard-fought victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, keeping the title race finely balanced at the summit of the Premier League, Sport360NG reports.

City’s narrow success in West Yorkshire trimmed Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the table to two points, ensuring the pressure remains firmly on the leaders heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s side arrived without injured striker Erling Haaland, the Leeds-born forward ruled out after sustaining a knock in training. For much of the first half, the champions appeared to feel the absence of their leading scorer as Leeds pressed aggressively and carved out the clearer openings.

The breakthrough came moments before the interval when Semenyo reacted quickest inside the box. Stretching to meet a driven low cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri, the Ghana international guided the ball home for his sixth goal since completing a January move from Bournemouth.

Leeds had earlier threatened to punish City’s sluggish start. Dominic Calvert-Lewin squandered a gilt-edged chance inside four minutes, stabbing wide from eight yards after connecting with a precise delivery from Brenden Aaronson. The former Everton striker later dragged another attempt off target from a tight angle, unable to add to his tally of 10 league goals this term.

Despite their enterprise, Leeds were left to reflect on missed opportunities as City held firm to claim three vital points. The defeat leaves the hosts six points above the relegation zone, while City remain firmly in pursuit of top spot.