🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. 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 for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"