🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell 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 spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner 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 physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"