🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

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

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"