🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want 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 fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"