🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

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

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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