Riyad Mahrez created both chances that led to the two goals that gave City the crucial points.
Manchester City have augmented their lead at the top to four points after their 2-1 Premier League win over Leeds United.
Ilkay Gundogan scored twice to ensure City’s fine form continues as they hope to defend the league title.
Meanwhile, City enjoyed possession as usual, but their first clear chance came in the 16th minute. Julian Alvarez received a cutback from Kevin De Bruyne only to send his effort over the crossbar.
A minute later, Joel Robles denied Erling Haaland. Rico Lewis’ incisive pass cut through Leeds' defenders, and the ball found Haaland, whose shot was stopped by Robles’ legs.
Finally, the hosts grabbed the lead in the 19th minute when Gundogan scored. Mahrez did well to beat Junior Firpo before he found Gundogan, who bent the ball beyond Robles for the first goal of the game.
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City doubled their lead in the 27th minute, with Gundogan getting his second of the afternoon. Mahrez did well to find Gundogan on the edge of the box, who produced a fine strike that hit the far corner, leaving Robles helpless in the process.
The Citizens had a chance to add the third in the 54th minute after a patient build-up that ended with Alvarez teeing up Haaland. However, Haaland was unlucky, as his powerful header was saved by Robles.
Haaland’s bad day continued as he was denied by the post two minutes after the hour mark. Lewis did well to find the Norwegian, but despite a wonderful touch and movement, his shot cannoned off the post.
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City have a chance to widen the gap if they win Saturday’s match against Leeds.
Mahrez produced a no-look pass in the 70th minute, which worked well for De Bruyne, who was fouled, and City won a free-kick. The Algerian flashed the ball towards goal, but Robles was alert to collect it and deny the Citizens a goal-scoring chance.
Gundogan wasted a chance to bag his hat trick when he failed to convert a penalty that City won in the 83rd minute. Pascal Struijk knocked down Phil Foden, but Gundogan ended up crashing his penalty off the inside of the post.
Leeds scored in the 85th minute to deny City a clean sheet. Manuel Akanji made a mistake, and Rodrigo was lurking around to capitalize on it and blast past Ederson.
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The Norwegian forward surpassed Alan Shearer’s 28-year mark of 34 Premier League strikes this week.
Despite the nervy finish, City held on for the 2-1 win to open up a four-point gap at the summit of the log.