🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

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

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. 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 should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play 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 within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"