🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"