🔗 Share this article

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

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

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