🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side 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, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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