🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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