🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

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

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

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

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

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