🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted 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 rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"