Ferdinand piles praise on ‘phenomenal’ Leeds after ‘deserved’ Man City win Rio Ferdinand spoke glowingly of the “committed” performance Leeds United put in as they beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad. Having gone 1-0 up late in the first half, Leeds were dealt a blow when Liam Cooper was sent off before the break. But the Whites were far from submissive after the restart, still causing City problems despite their disadvantage. Pep Guardiola’s side did level with 15 minutes to go, but Stuart Dallas scored in stoppage time to earn his team all three points. It was the West Yorkshire side’s best result of what has been an impressive first season back in the top flight. It was only City’s fourth loss in 32 league games. Their tenacious and entertaining style has won them many admirers over the course of the campaign. The positivity continued to flow their way after their success on Saturday lunchtime. And former Leeds player Ferdinand was one of those to wax lyrical about their most recent display. On BT Sport (via Daily Mail) he said: “We’ve asked, can Leeds adapt? They were forced to go down to 10 men and were magnificent to a man. They spent 45 minutes down to 10 men against a team like this. “The energy, when they won the ball they were still a threat. Leeds fully deserved the result, fantastic performance. These guys were committed. You get a sending off, sometimes teams capitulate but they were calm and composed. “They looked like they were absolutely under control and where they are meant to be. There was a cutting edge when they got the ball. City at times had half chances where you thought they could do better, but you have got to give Leeds credit. “They aren’t conservative, they just throw it at them. There is never a step back with this Leeds team, it is always on the front foot. You have to give credit to this team. Stuart Dallas in particular and Kalvin Phillips. Phenomenal.” Emotional Bielsa credits Leeds spirit Speaking post-match, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa said the win was thanks to the spirit of his squad. Playing against a team just a few wins away from being crowned champions with 10 men would see many teams crumble. But the Elland Road outfit defended resolutely to ensure that wasn’t the case. “I think we have to link the victory to the spirit of the players,” the Argentine said. “The spirit of all the players added together creates a uniform effort. It’s very difficult to win games like today. I think we deserved it but the fair thing would have been for City to win it because they had the dominance and the chances. “From the adversity and effort of the players it was emotional for me. It was a rebellious team. They weren’t resigned to lose.” READ MORE: A reliable Leeds United reporter has revealed why Pablo Hernandez will leave Leeds this summer. The post Ferdinand piles praise on ‘phenomenal’ Leeds after ‘deserved’ Man City win appeared first on TEAMtalk.

Rio Ferdinand spoke glowingly of the “committed” performance Leeds United put in as they beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad. 

Having gone 1-0 up late in the first half, Leeds were dealt a blow when Liam Cooper was sent off before the break.

But the Whites were far from submissive after the restart, still causing City problems despite their disadvantage.

Pep Guardiola’s side did level with 15 minutes to go, but Stuart Dallas scored in stoppage time to earn his team all three points.

It was the West Yorkshire side’s best result of what has been an impressive first season back in the top flight. It was only City’s fourth loss in 32 league games.

Their tenacious and entertaining style has won them many admirers over the course of the campaign. The positivity continued to flow their way after their success on Saturday lunchtime. And former Leeds player Ferdinand was one of those to wax lyrical about their most recent display.

On BT Sport (via Daily Mail) he said: “We’ve asked, can Leeds adapt? They were forced to go down to 10 men and were magnificent to a man. They spent 45 minutes down to 10 men against a team like this.

“The energy, when they won the ball they were still a threat. Leeds fully deserved the result, fantastic performance. These guys were committed. You get a sending off, sometimes teams capitulate but they were calm and composed.

“They looked like they were absolutely under control and where they are meant to be. There was a cutting edge when they got the ball. City at times had half chances where you thought they could do better, but you have got to give Leeds credit.

“They aren’t conservative, they just throw it at them. There is never a step back with this Leeds team, it is always on the front foot. You have to give credit to this team. Stuart Dallas in particular and Kalvin Phillips. Phenomenal.”

Emotional Bielsa credits Leeds spirit

Speaking post-match, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa said the win was thanks to the spirit of his squad.

Playing against a team just a few wins away from being crowned champions with 10 men would see many teams crumble. But the Elland Road outfit defended resolutely to ensure that wasn’t the case.

“I think we have to link the victory to the spirit of the players,” the Argentine said.

“The spirit of all the players added together creates a uniform effort. It’s very difficult to win games like today. I think we deserved it but the fair thing would have been for City to win it because they had the dominance and the chances.

“From the adversity and effort of the players it was emotional for me. It was a rebellious team. They weren’t resigned to lose.”

READ MORE: A reliable Leeds United reporter has revealed why Pablo Hernandez will leave Leeds this summer.

 

The post Ferdinand piles praise on ‘phenomenal’ Leeds after ‘deserved’ Man City win appeared first on TEAMtalk.

Sam Charlton