🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, 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

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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