🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded 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 touchline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were 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 Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"