🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

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