🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference 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 up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"