🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled 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 make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"