🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely 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 little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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