🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations 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 allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"