Leeds United fans had expected an onslaught at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon. Daniel Farke might have predicted it, too, and after two minutes, it looked like it would happen.
A flash of Phil Foden’s boot saw City go ahead on two minutes. A dismal start for Leeds in what had been billed as, potentially, Daniel Farke’s final game in charge of the Yorkshire side. A second came soon after.
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Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Once a Leeds target, Josko Gvardiol doubled City’s lead. A City side that were looking to bounce back after a poor defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the week. But, Leeds managed to rally during the second half.
For once, Farke was proactive and made subs before his opposing number in the dugout. Off came Willy Gnonto and Dan James, and on came Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. A complete change in shape.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke admits he would be ‘banned for swearing’
Calvert-Lewin netted his second Leeds goal just moments later, before winning Leeds a penalty. Despite not starting, it was easily the most influential that the England striker has been since his summer arrival.
Top scorer Lukas Nmecha stepped up and saw his spot-kick saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, only to tap home the rebound. It looked as if Leeds might steal a point, until Foden doubled his tally on 90 minutes.
Speaking after the match, Farke told reporters that conceding so early angered him on the touchline and admitted that if he was to delve into the concession and discuss the goal, he’d be cut off for swearing.
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“Can’t say [about his thoughts for the first City goal] or else I would be banned for swearing. When we prepare all week, and we concede… but we should be proud of the performance overall,” Farke said.
A performance to be proud of after that first-half showing! Relive what turned out to be a frustrating afternoon here 😤
Daniel Farke’s future is on the line, but he has “lots of belief”
Ahead of the match, Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou were linked with Farke’s position, with it even claimed that Rodgers is open to a move to Elland Road. The 49ers will be considering replacements.
Indeed, LeedsUnited.News understands that after the Aston Villa loss, Farke’s position in the dugout was being assessed. But the 49ers were keen to avoid making an emotional, knee-jerk decision after the loss.
Discussing Leeds’ loss to City, Farke said: “Deserved to take something out of this game. We wanted to win three points, but after so many sucker punches, to show such a performance gives us lots of belief.”
It might be another defeat, but Farke and the players will be proud of their performance and the chances are that the German will remain in the dugout when Leeds play host to Chelsea on Wednesday night.
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