🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock 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 can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"