EPL: Semenyo stars as Man City edge Leeds to cut Arsenal lead

Manchester City moved to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.

A first-half strike from Antoine Semenyo proved decisive, as City ended Leeds’ 25-match unbeaten run in evening home fixtures. The visitors were without Erling Haaland, who missed the game with a minor injury.

Leeds miss early chances

Leeds started aggressively and should have led inside three minutes. After Marc Guehi went down under a challenge from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, play continued and the hosts broke quickly.

Brenden Aaronson delivered a cross to an unmarked Calvert-Lewin, who stabbed wide.

Aaronson was denied again on the counter by Gianluigi Donnarumma, while City responded through Nico O’Reilly, whose effort was kept out by goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Cherki creates, Semenyo finishes

City took control with the final action of the first half. Rayan Cherki split the defence with a precise pass to Rayan Ait-Nouri, who squared low for Semenyo to tap in from close range.

After the interval, City threatened to extend their lead. Omar Marmoush twice went close, while Darlow produced a strong save to deny a header from Guehi.

Leeds pushed late on, with Jaka Bijol heading narrowly wide from a deep corner, but Pep Guardiola’s side held firm.

The result tightens the title race and keeps City within striking distance of Arsenal as the season approaches its decisive phase.