🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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