🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but 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 changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"