Leeds manager Daniel Farke believed Manchester City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma feigned an injury in the second period of their top-flight clash
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad
The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break
Second-Half Revival Thwarted
Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption
Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for
"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented
"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should 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 assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"
"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"
Late Deciding Goal
Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season
Tactical Changes
Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes
Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad
"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden
"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"
Encouraging Signs for Leeds
The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation
Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings
"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued
"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"
Expert Opinion
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"
"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"
"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"
"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"
