🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"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 in line with 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 Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play 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 can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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