🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester 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 performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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