🔗 Share this article

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. 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 governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

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