🔗 Share this article

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within 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 solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

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

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"