🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order 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"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"