🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest 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 togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"