Leeds United manager Daniel Farke believed Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an knock during the second half of their top-flight encounter
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad
The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval
Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart
Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for
"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented
"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"
"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"
"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"
Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term
However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes
Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players
"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden
"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"
The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion
However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings
"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added
"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"
Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"
"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"
"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"
"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"
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