Sixty seconds into November's reverse fixture, few thought Daniel Farke would have survived this long
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
09:00, 01 Mar 2026
Daniel Farke has wrestled his tenure back from the brink with Leeds United's transformation undeniable
View 2 Images
Daniel Farke has wrestled his tenure back from the brink with Leeds United's transformation undeniable(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Daniel Farke was spitting feathers when he saw his Leeds United side concede inside 60 seconds at the Etihad Stadium back in November. “I can't say [what I was thinking] or else I would be banned for swearing,” he said after the game.
He probably would have said similar if he had been able to do the post-match media duties on Saturday. However, his red card at the end of the 1-0 defeat meant assistant Eddie Riemer had to field questions with Farke banned as per FA rules.
There are several ironies here; that he also got banned in February last year after celebrating a winner against Sunderland - Tuesday’s opponents - and that the man who is usually the coolest inside Elland Road is the one to technically break the club’s 26-month streak without a red card.
Yet the fact he was even at Leeds on Saturday to receive a red card looked very improbable when Leeds went behind so early at the Etihad four months ago.
It was 2-0 to Man City at half-time in that November meeting - not something unexpected nor particularly shameful against a team full of superstars but Farke himself appeared to be sitting on the brink, en route to a sixth defeat in seven games.
Ultimately, Leeds would register the loss but what happened in the second 45 minutes changed United’s season and perhaps saved Farke’s tenure. Whether it was down to ingenuity or necessity will be argued but the change to the back three meant Phil Foden had to produce a 91st-minute winner.
Leeds looked like a proper Premier League team in that second half and have done ever since - including Saturday’s defeat. “He’s completely proud of the performance,” said Riemer of Farke afterwards.
“You play one of the best teams… we are disappointed that we didn't get something out of this game, because we put in a really, really great shift once again.”
Who knows what might have happened if Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted his early chance, if Joe Rodon had attempted to cut out the cross for Antoine Semenyo’s goal or if Jaka Bijol’s header was inches the right side of the post. Another scalp was not beyond the realms of possibility.
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring
View 2 Images
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring(Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock)
In another ironic aspect, the game was much like the home game aganst Aston Villa that preceded the trip to Man City in November - play quite well but ultimately lose.
Except circumstances (and opposition) are much different now and Leeds have grown so much. Leeds walked away with optimism rather than pessimism.
Particularly impressive was the press, Leeds winning the type of turnovers they often lost earlier in the season. While Riemer said the game plan did not alter amid Erling Haaland’s absence, Farke was not afraid of risking defence for attack in the second half.
Bringing on Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James for midfielder Ilia Gruev and full-back Jayden Bogle sent a signal, as did withdrawing Brenden Aaronson for Lukas Nmecha earlier on. And in the end, Leeds had the momentum for the final 15 minutes.
A goal did not come and Farke, who always holds himself to the highest standards, will be disappointed with his red card - but this was far from a bad day and in some sense a measure of how much he has changed without losing the essence of his footballing philosophy.
Farke ends February with five points from four games which included trips to Chelsea and Aston Villa. In relation to average table position, Leeds have the easiest run across the Premier League.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search. Help us stay visible byadding us as a Preferred Source in your search settings.
The fixture list has turned out to be kind for Leeds in this regard but United have moved themselves into a very encouraging position and Farke has more than earned his chance to have his crack at it. Match-goers are chanting his name with more frequency after matches these days.
Article continues below
Farke and Pep Guardiola attain a good friendship but without that epiphany at the Etihad, November’s game could have been the last time they faced each other on a Premier League touchline.
As it happens, last night might well have been with rumours circulating about Guardiola’s future beyond this season. But regardless, four months ago few thought Farke - who could therefore outlast Guardiola - would have made it this far. He’s proven his doubters wrong.