🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"