🔗 Share this article

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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable 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 questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"