🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"