🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. 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 authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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