🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied 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 changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"