🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything 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 within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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