🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. 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 for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"