Leeds 2 Man City 1
Kevin Keegan's men controlled long periods of the game but were undone by a late penalty that was converted by Mark Viduka that resulted in the dismissal of Daniel van Buyten.
Stephen McPhail opened the scoring with his first goal in over four years, however City were deservedly level before the break when Nicolas Anelka drilled a right-footed effort past Paul Robinson.
City began the better side controlling possession and settling well, although Leeds felt they should have had a penalty when Richard Dunne clashed with Viduka in the box.
Shaun Wright-Phillips hit the side netting from close range after 12 minutes after a superb move resulted in Joey Barton finding the winger with a pin-point through ball.
Leeds found themselves ahead against the run of play when McPhail played in a right-wing free kick that angled past David James into the corner with Alan Smith possibly getting a glancing touch on the ball.
The visitors did not let their heads drop after falling behind and could and should have gone in at the break ahead.
Firstly, Michael Tarnat's drilled free kick hit the Leeds wall and rebounded off the post to safety while Robbie Fowler's blocked left-footed volley dipped agonisingly over the crossbar.
Just when it looked like Leeds would go in at the break level City put together a slick move that resulted in Antoine Sibierski finding Anelka outside the box with a pass and the Frenchman made no mistake with the finish.
Keegan's side were almost ahead moments after the restart, but Sibierski, who scored against Leeds in December, saw his close-range header superbly saved by Robinson.
The visitors continued to create chances, but Anelka firstly blazed over from eight yards out, while Stephen Caldwell was forced to make a last ditch tackle on the surging Wright-Phillips.
With Leeds looking second best Smith broke away but went to ground under close attention from van Buyten, who referee Alan Wiley deemed had fouled in the area and sent off for a professional foul.
Both sides created chances in a frantic finale, however, no further goals came leaving Leeds with a priceless three points and City contemplating what could have been.
