🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

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