Manchester City edged their noses back in front of Liverpool in the Premier League title race after a 4-0 win at Leeds.
Rodri headed City into a half-time lead and further goals in the second period from Nathan Ake, Gabriel Jesus, and Fernandinho lifted them back to the top of the table.
City boss Pep Guardiola made five changes after his side’s midweek Champions League win against Real Madrid, but it made little difference as they marched on in defence of their domestic crown.
They secured a third straight league win for the first time in 2022, but it was not the walk in the park the scoreline would suggest against an embattled Leeds side hungry for points in their fight to beat the drop.
Leeds had been dealt another injury blow before kick-off when skipper Liam Cooper limped out of the warm-up and was replaced by Mateusz Klich.
Robin Koch switched back to center-half alongside Pascal Struijk and Leeds’ new-look defence was undone in the 13th minute.
Stuart Dallas was penalised for his foul on Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden’s excellent outswinging free-kick was headed home by Rodri, who ghosted onto the ball unopposed.
