🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. 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 determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold 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 vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"