🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"