🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to 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 moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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