🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship 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 extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

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