🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display 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 City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"