🔗 Share this article

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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. 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 for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back 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 results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker 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 display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"