🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"