🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"