🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

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

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"