A late header by substitute Antoine Sibierski earned Manchester City a deserved 1-1 draw with Leeds United in an English premier league match at the City of Manchester Stadium on Monday.

City, who climb into a share of 11th in the table despite nine consecutive matches without a win, dominated throughout but only levelled the scores in the 82nd minute after Leeds had gone ahead with a first-half goal from Mark Viduka.

"It wasn't like they opened us up and I don't think the referee gave us many decisions," said City manager Kevin Keegan.

"In the end, though, I suppose you're happy to get a point."

Keegan added that he had no choice but to bring on Sibierski in a bid for a late equaliser.

"He is very good in the air and he is a good goalscorer if you look at his record," he said.

Australian international Viduka put Leeds in front in the 24th minute against the run of play, taking advantage of a defensive blunder by David Sommeil who failed to control a James Milner through ball on the edge of the box.

Viduka had wasted a golden chance to score in the sixth minute when an Ian Harte free kick left him unmarked inside the six-yard box. This time, though, he made no mistake, rounding keeper David Seaman for his fourth league goal of the season.

BEST OPPORTUNITY

City, however, dominated the rest of the half and had their best opportunity to equalise in the 41st minute when the dangerous Nicolas Anelka found Claudio Reyna unmarked just eight yards out.

Reyna, recalled for the out-of-form Trevor Sinclair, powered goalwards but defender Michael Duberry cleared off the line.

City were also the better side after the break and Joey Barton beat goalkeeper Paul Robinson in the 57th minute with a crunching right-foot shot that bounced back off the inside of the post.

City finally levelled the scores eight minutes from time, Sibierski driving home a header after a cross from the right by Sun Jihai.

"Man City might feel a little bit aggrieved they didn't get the three points tonight," said Leeds defender Dominic Matteo, named man of the match.

"They threw the kitchen sink at us and they were bound to get one (goal) at the end."

Leeds, who stay in the relegation zone on 16 points despite their fourth unbeaten match in a row, had defender Lucas Radabe carried off on a stretcher in the 72nd minute with a torn hamstring.

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