🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game 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 order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

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