🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"