🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"