🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually 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 regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"