🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"