🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt 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 allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"