🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"