🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"