🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional 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 decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"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 often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"