🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't 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 in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"