‘So passive’ - Chris Sutton gives honest Daniel Farke verdict after Leeds lose to Man City
BBC pundit Chris Sutton has analysed Daniel Farke's role in Leeds' 3-2 defeat to Man City.
Manchester City ‘got away with one’ by beating Leeds United on Saturday.
That’s according to former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, who paid tribute to Daniel Farke’s substitutions for helping Leeds get back into the match at the Etihad Stadium.
The Whites found themselves 2-0 down within 25 minutes through Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol strikes, while they failed to register a single shot on target during the first half.
However, Farke brought off the ineffective Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James at half-time, introducing defender Jaka Bijol and an extra striker in the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Farke was quickly vindicated as Calvert-Lewin pulled a goal back four minutes after the break, while Lukas Nmecha scored the rebound from a missed penalty to level the scores on 68 minutes.
Both sides had periods of pressure from there, but Leeds looked to have done enough to earn a vital point until Foden produced a moment of brilliance in stoppage time to settle the match and consign the Whites to a fourth heartbreaking defeat in a row.
Man City ‘got away with one’ vs Leeds
The pressure will continue to grow on Farke, with Leeds stuck in the bottom three and on a run of six defeats from their last seven games.
However, former Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers striker Sutton credited the German’s decision to introduce Calvert-Lewin, and claimed Man City were lucky to claim the win in the end.
“Leeds United just didn't compete in the first half. They were so passive, and they allowed Manchester City to get off to the perfect start. They were cruising and in total control,” Sutton told BBC Sport.
“Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs.
“It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon.”
How Man City 3-2 Leeds United played out
- 1’ Man City goal: Phil Foden
- 25’ Man City goal: Josko Gvardiol
- 49’ Leeds United goal: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- 68’ Leeds United goal: Lukas Nmecha
- 90+1’ Man City goal: Phil Foden
What next for Leeds United?
Leeds will be cursing not seeing out the draw on Saturday, given how priceless the point would have been.
That’s because the Whites have two home games coming up against a Chelsea side unbeaten in six and a Liverpool side that, despite struggling at present, are still defending champions.
Leeds then go on the road to Brentford, before completing their pre-Christmas schedule at home to Crystal Palace.
If Farke isn’t able to guide his side to some much-needed results during this time, he might well pay with his job.
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