🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"