🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club 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 take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"