🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"