🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly 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 players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, 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 massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"