🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"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 like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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