🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"