🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"