Bristol City drew 0-0 with high-flying Leeds United at Ashton Gate despite facing intense pressure.
United had 68% control and 17 shots on goal but were unable to break down their determined opponents, who had Liam Manning making an emotional return to coaching duties.
Back in charge for the first time since his baby son Theo’s tragic death, the head coach briefly took to the pitch before kickoff to acknowledge the warm applause from both sets of fans, which came after a perfectly observed period of silence to commemorate the annual Remembrance Day.
Manning then supervised operations from the dugout as City defeated Leeds in front of 25,000 fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout.
Marcus McGuane, City’s summer addition, made his debut in midfield in place of the suspended Joe Williams, while Yu Hirakawa replaced Anis Mehmeti on the wing. Leeds manager Daniel Farke made two changes, substituting Sam Byram and Dan James for Junior Firpo and the injured Largie Ramazani.
Leeds were the first to threaten, with Joe Rothwell’s right-footed volley off a James cross going wide on 13 minutes. But City replied brilliantly, going near twice in quick succession, with Liam McNally’s acrobatic overhead kick and a Hirakawa attempt deflected for a corner.
Leeds’ Brenden Aaronson blasted inches over the bar after a 29th-minute corner was headed into his path just beyond the area.
Then, with City down to ten men due to Ross McCrorie’s injury, Jayden Bogle shot into the side netting. McCrorie was replaced by Kal Naismith after 34 minutes, and City custodian Max O’Leary had to dive full length to stop Wilfried Gnonto’s powerful drive. On 39 minutes, O’Leary came to his team’s rescue once more, spreading himself at the feet of James, who had pounced on a Gnonto ball.
An intriguing first half lacked just goals. That looked destined to change seven minutes into the second half when Gnonto appeared unmarked to meet a cross from the right, only for Zak Vyner to clear his low shot off the line.
Seconds later, the visitors came near again with an Aaronson shot into the side netting. Farke’s men dominated the game in front of their large travelling crowd, with an Ao Tanaka shot blocked and Sam Byram heading over. Substitute Mateo As City faced persistent pressure, Joseph’s close-range header was just too high. O’Leary parried another Aaronson shot, leaving his side hanging on.
Manning’s team defended tenaciously to save a point, although they finished the game without severely testing Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier. At the final whistle, both sets of supporters cheered, recognising their respective teams’ all-out effort.
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