🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury 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, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep 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 want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned 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 turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"