🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. 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 spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during 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 dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated 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 performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"