CROWN JUL'S A LATE GREAT

Alvarez shines bright to save the day

- GIDEON BROOKS

RB LEIPZIG 1
MAN CITY 3

JULIAN ALVAREZ ensured a return to winning ways with a stunning late smash and grab at the end of a testing week for Manchester City.

The Argentina striker had been on the pitch just five minutes as Pep Guardiola rolled the dice on a match that looked to be heading for stalemate after Lois Openda's goal cancelled out Phil Foden's first-half strike.

But his delightful finish, curled inside the far post from around 18 yards, ensured City halted a slide of two defeats to sit in pole position.

The striker had not finished there either, setting up Jeremy Doku to add a third in the 90th minute to complete the victory.

This was an improved display from City after a difficult week but it looked likely to be a frustrating one, for no one more than Erling Haaland who had another night of struggles.