🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent 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 fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"