🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

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

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"