Leeds United lost on their return to Premier League action as Manchester City picked up a 3-1 win at Elland Road.
Here's a look at the winners and losers from the contest.
Winners
Wilfried Gnonto
The youngster looked to enjoy himself on his first Premier League start at Elland Road and asked several questions of the champions’ defensive line. His direct running game caused problems and while he couldn’t really find an opening, he was a joy to watch at times.
It was only his second league start for the club, but you wouldn’t bet against him keeping his place when the Whites go to Newcastle United on Saturday. Jack Harrison was fit enough to be in the squad but Jesse Marsch never felt the need to look his way off the bench.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Cooper horror pass headlines poor day for possession in Man City loss
Adam Forshaw
The midfielder stepped into the side, as expected, to replace the suspended Tyler Adams and he fared well in the first half. He kept with the high pace Man City set and he looked to compete with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, who saw plenty of the ball and looked to make things happen.
He was Leeds’ tidiest midfielder on the ball, looking after possession and bringing others into play as he took his chance, for the most part. Adams will surely come into the side to face Newcastle United on Saturday if fit, but Marsch may think twice before taking Forshaw out of the starting XI.
Forshaw was replaced by Mateusz Klich shortly after the hour mark.
Illan Meslier
Meslier missed all three of Leeds’ mid-season games as he struggled with glandular fever, but he was fit enough to start against City and he was one of Leeds’ best. The goalkeeper was forced into action early to deny Erling Haaland and he made a habit of frustrating the Norwegian with a number of fines saves.
Leeds did concede three on the night, of course, with Haaland bagging two, but Meslier could do little to prevent any of them from hitting the back of the net.
Losers
Kalvin Phillips
Phillips was a surprise inclusion on the bench following Pep Guardiola’s comments about his fitness last week, but he was denied the opportunity of a run out on his former stomping ground. He had an excellent reception when his name was read out at the start of the match and he had a laugh with supporters as he warmed up on the sidelines.
However, he’ll have to wait to make his first appearance against Leeds United in City colours..
Rodrigo
The striker did a lot of running but couldn’t really get a foothold in the game and most of it passed him by. He was eventually replaced by Joe Gelhardt in the 70th minute and that officially brought an end to his scoring run of four straight games.
It was a difficult game for Rodrigo, given where the game was played but he’ll be keen to make more of a mark in a few days at St James’ Park.
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