🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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