🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"