🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach 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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? 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 find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

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 bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"