🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

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 hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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 within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"