🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

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

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds 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 smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep 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 options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win 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 manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"