🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control 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 vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"