🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"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 approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

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

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted 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 consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds 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 frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"