🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"