🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. 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 Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"