🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football 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 fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"