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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"