Leeds boss Sam Allardyce happy with positive second half display in 2-1 loss to City

Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce will take the positives from their 2-1 loss to Manchester City in their Premier League game today.

The 68-year-old was upset to see his side 2-0 down in the first half, with llkay Gundogan bagging a brace to put City in control.

However, Allardyce was happy that Leeds kept themselves in the game. They pulled one back to make the final minutes nervy for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Allardyce said (via LUTV): “A lot of hope. Yes. We talked about the first half performance in the dressing room and what to do.

“Obviously, we’ve only had a few days, but we tried to give the players some guidance.

“Unfortunately, it can be a little acceptable with what is happening with them at the minute playing against Manchester City.

“Our execution in passing was not of the sort of quality that we needed to cause any threat to City.

“Hence, it just became a constant defensive battle against one of the best teams who can break down 11 behind the ball.”

“2-0 was something we had to make sure, for the second half, we did not go down three, which could then be four or five.

“We stuck to the game plan better, executed our possession better, and grew in confidence. We started getting behind the midfield and up the pitch more.

“Eventually, we scored a very, very good goal. The real annoying thing for me was that we gave a stupid penalty away.”

Allardyce praised goalkeeper Joel Robles for saving Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty. He tipped the spot-kick onto the post, preventing the German from scoring a hat-trick.

The former England manager is confident Leeds can survive relegation if they pass better in their coming games.

Leeds (17th, 30 points) are level with Nottingham Forest in the league table. Forest have played a game less and face Southampton tomorrow.

The Whites have three games against Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur to secure their stay in the top flight.

Allardyce will hope his team can build upon the positives from this performance in their remaining games.