🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"