How a Late Man City Loss Might Secretly Save Leeds’ Season: Big Change Spotted

Leeds United lost 3-2 against Manchester City at the Etihad, but the game might have shown something important about Daniel Farke.

Even though the team lost again, many fans and experts are saying this match could help Farke save his job.

Leeds were close to getting a point, showed real fight, and their manager proved he can change things when it matters.

For a team with seven defeats in eight, this performance meant more than just a loss.

It showed something new, something Leeds have not shown in weeks.

Farke Under Pressure but Shows His Strong Side

Before the game, many people thought this could be Farke’s last week in charge.

Leeds were struggling, sitting low in the table, and heading into a tough run with Chelsea and Liverpool next.

After going 2-0 down at half-time, it looked like Leeds were heading for another big defeat.

But Farke surprised everyone.

At the break, he changed the whole style. He removed the wingers and brought on two strong strikers, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

Both players made an immediate impact. Leeds started to play more direct, more physical, and with much more belief.

Calvert-Lewin, who came on with real hunger, said after the match:

“We played forward, we played with confidence, and we didn’t give them too much respect.”

Martin Rickett/PA Wire

This shift caused problems for Man City. Suddenly, Leeds were fighting, winning duels, and scoring goals.

Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin each made big contributions, with Leeds turning the match into a real battle. The city was shocked by the change.

Some people even said Farke looked like a new manager, different to the one who managed Norwich in the Premier League years ago.

Leeds Still Have Big Problems at the Back

Even with the stronger performance, the same old issues returned late in the match.

Leeds have now conceded 11 goals in four games and keep losing points in the last minutes.

Against Man City, Phil Foden scored an injury-time winner to break Leeds hearts again.

This is not the first time. Leeds have dropped points late against Fulham, Bournemouth, and now City.

These moments are hurting their survival chances.

Farke knows this is a serious issue. His team is showing fight, but they are still letting in too many goals.

And the numbers show the same problem: in his Premier League career, Farke’s teams have always struggled defensively.

But Saturday’s match also showed that Leeds are very close in many games.

With small improvements, results could start going their way.

Farke Angry at Donnarumma for ‘Timeout’ Trick

One big talking point was Farke’s frustration with Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

In the second half, Donnarumma went down “injured,” and Farke said he believed it was tactical, giving City time to regroup.

He called it “gamesmanship” and said it felt like City took a “football timeout” when Leeds were on top.

Pep Guardiola wasn’t happy with these comments, and there was a cold atmosphere between the two managers after the game.

What Happens Next for Leeds?

Leeds now face Chelsea and Liverpool, two difficult games.

The danger is still there: if results go badly, Farke could be in trouble again.

Some fans and pundits think Leeds need a new manager to survive.

But others say Saturday showed something important, Leeds are still fighting, Farke can still change games, and the players are still with him.

If Leeds can turn these strong moments into results, they can still escape the bottom of the table.

For now, Farke stays in the job, and Saturday’s performance might be the reason why.

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