🔗 Share this article

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

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

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

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"