🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"