🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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