🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"