🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"