🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. 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 should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"