🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship 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 allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable 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 changes, who is often questioned 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 massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"