🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"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 defenders"

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