🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows 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 clever. If I like it? If it's in line with 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"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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