🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just 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 fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. 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 keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"