🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed 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 was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"