🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

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