🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury 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"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"