🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"