🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"