🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"