🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"