🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional 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 injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said 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 got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

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

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"