🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"