🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. 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 governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask 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 fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"