Farke: 'This Leeds performance proves we belong at this level'

Daniel Farke described his Leeds United side's performance as 'proof we belong at this level' after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Elland Road, a result that leaves the club firmly in the hunt for a top-half finish in their return season to the Premier League.

Wilfried Gnonto's first-half strike had cancelled out an early Erling Haaland opener, before Phil Foden restored City's lead midway through the second half. With the visitors seemingly closing out a routine victory, substitute-turned-provider Brenden Aaronson combined with Ao Tanaka in the 89th minute for a finish that sent Elland Road into raptures.

'We showed our identity'

Speaking to reporters after the match, Farke was full of praise for his players' refusal to accept defeat against one of the division's strongest sides.

“This is exactly the identity we have been building. We conceded two good goals against a top, top team, but the belief in that dressing room never dropped for a second. That is why we got what we deserved in the end.”

The result means Leeds have now taken points off three of last season's top six sides, a record Farke says reflects the progress made since promotion back to the top flight.

Tanaka's timing

Ao Tanaka's leveller was his sixth goal of the Premier League campaign, continuing a productive first full season in England for the Japan international. The 27-year-old has increasingly become a focal point of Leeds' attacking play from central midfield, arriving late into the box to devastating effect.

Farke also confirmed that Joel Piroe, who missed the match with a calf strain, is 'progressing well' and remains on course to return within three weeks, a boost for a Leeds side chasing a strong finish to the campaign.

What's next

Attention now turns to a trip to St James' Park, where Leeds face a Newcastle United side also fighting for European qualification. Farke's side will be looking to carry momentum from Saturday's result into a testing run of fixtures to close out the season.

• Leeds have won 15, drawn 9 and lost 10 of their 34 Premier League fixtures this season.
• Ao Tanaka has now scored in three of his last five appearances.
• Leeds remain unbeaten in their last four home league matches.

Full match statistics, player ratings and the road ahead are covered in our dedicated match centre for this fixture.