🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock 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 can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

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

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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