🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable 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 played in this second half"

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

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