🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"