🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"