Man City Alleged of Rule-Bending in Tight Win Against Leeds United - Farke

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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. 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 up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play 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 extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"