🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said 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 emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently 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 might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"