Leeds boss Daniel Farke felt Manchester City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an knock in the second half of their Premier League encounter
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium
The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval
Second Period Revival Thwarted
Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption
And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for
"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated
"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"
Manager's Frustration
"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"
"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"
Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal
Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term
Strategic Changes
However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes
Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players
"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden
"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"
Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United
The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion
Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table
"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added
"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"
Pundit Analysis
Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"
"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"
"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"
"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"
