🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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