🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"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 approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

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

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"