🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

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

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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