🔗 Share this article Man City Alleged of Gamesmanship in Tight Win Over Leeds United - Daniel Farke Leeds United manager Daniel Farke believed Manchester City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an injury during the second half of their top-flight clash Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval Second-Half Revival Thwarted Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for "Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented "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 approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution" Coach's Disappointment "I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited" "Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint" Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term Tactical Changes Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players "During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden "We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections" Encouraging Signs for Leeds The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table "Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued "We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room" Expert Opinion Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former 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 half" "Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period" "Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs" "It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"