🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

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

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within 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 keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"