🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. 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 should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field 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 last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert 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 anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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