Leeds United boss Daniel Farke expressed frustration after Manchester City held on for a 3-2 victory at Etihad Stadium, accusing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of exploiting the rules to break Leeds’ momentum.
City struck early, with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening minute and Josko Gvardiol adding a second before halftime. But Leeds mounted a spirited comeback after the break, sparked by tactical changes and a Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike seconds after the restart.
Farke Frustrated by Donnarumma’s Well-Timed Pause
Just as Leeds pushed for an equaliser and City appeared overwhelmed by the intensity, Donnarumma went down for treatment, stopping play and giving Pep Guardiola a chance to reorganize his side with an impromptu touchline meeting.
Farke didn’t hide his displeasure:
“Everyone knows why he went down… it was obvious,” he said.
“If it’s within the rules, I can’t complain — but it doesn’t feel like fair play.”
The stoppage lasted nearly two minutes, during which Guardiola gathered his players to deliver fresh tactical instructions. Soon after, City regained control and eventually sealed the win through a stoppage-time finish from Foden, condemning Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven league games.
City Players Admit the Break Was Crucial
Speaking to Match of the Day, Foden acknowledged the significance of the disruption, explaining how Leeds’ tactical shift had caught City off guard.
“They pressed higher and changed formation,” Foden said. “We struggled… that little break was crucial to get things right.”
Farke, meanwhile, questioned whether such stoppages should be tolerated. He emphasized that while his players are taught sportsmanship, the rules currently allow moments he views as manipulative.
“It’s for the authorities to decide,” he said. “Is this really in the spirit of fair play? I have my doubts.”
Guardiola Defends His Goalkeeper
Guardiola maintained that Donnarumma appeared genuinely injured and said he even instructed backup keeper James Trafford to warm up, insisting he had no reason to assume gamesmanship was involved.
Pundit Danny Murphy suggested a simple rule adjustment to prevent misuse:
“If a keeper stops play for injury, an outfield player should have to leave the pitch. A small change that makes a big difference.”
The defeat leaves Leeds in 18th place, having scored fewer goals than every Premier League team except Wolves. Despite their improved second-half display, the late twist leaves Farke and Leeds still searching for answers.
