🔗 Share this article Manchester City Accused of Gamesmanship in Narrow Victory Against Leeds - Daniel Farke Leeds boss Daniel Farke felt Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an injury in the second period of their top-flight encounter Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break Second Period Revival Thwarted Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for "Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated "It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution" Manager's Frustration "I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied" "Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain" Late Winner Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term Strategic Adjustments Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players "At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden "We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right" Positive Aspects for Leeds United The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings "Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added "We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room" Expert Opinion Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period" "Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period" "Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders" "It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"