🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"