🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"