🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"