🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break 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 moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. 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 up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"