🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"