🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"