🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"