🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. 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 resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable 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 played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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