🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't 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 spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win 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"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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