🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made 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 interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"