🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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