🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just 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 allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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