🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers 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 an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

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

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

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"