🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"