🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

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

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. 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 keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for 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 period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"