🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds 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 criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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