🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned 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 could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"