🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"