Haaland was absent for the trip to the city of his birth due to a minor injury that Pep Guardiola described as “not a big problem”.
Without the Norwegian, City were far from their best but ground out a vital three points against a Leeds side that had lost just twice in their previous 16 games.
Leeds were left to rue not making the most of their early dominance as Dominic Calvert-Lewin skewed wide a glorious chance just three minutes in.
“It was a huge victory to still be there (in the race),” said Guardiola, whose side and Arsenal are still involved in four competitions.
“One game at a time. Recover now and start the real season when there are many, many games and everyone’s tired.”
Tempers flared at full-time as Leeds boss Daniel Farke was shown a red card for confronting referee Peter Bankes, while Guardiola was also furious at the officials.
The pressure is now on Arsenal to respond when they host Chelsea in the pick of Sunday’s action. (AFP)
Edited by Tony Sabine
