🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach 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 start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"