🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we 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 an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity 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 come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played 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 Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"