🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"