🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"