🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

"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 roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"