🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. 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 for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

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

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

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