🔗 Share this article

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. 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 governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"