🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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