🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"