🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"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 sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive 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 particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"