🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"