🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked 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"