🔗 Share this article Manchester City Alleged of Gamesmanship in Tight Victory Over Leeds - Daniel Farke Leeds boss Daniel Farke believed Manchester City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an knock during the second half of their top-flight clash Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break Second Period Comeback Thwarted Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for "Everybody knows why he went down," 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 approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution" Manager's Disappointment "I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied" "If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint" Late Deciding Goal Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term Strategic Adjustments Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players "During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden "We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right" Positive Aspects for Leeds United The last time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table "To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued "We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room" Expert Opinion Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half" "Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half" "Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders" "It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"