🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes 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 rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during 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 dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"