🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"