🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not 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 sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"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 physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"