🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional 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 Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"