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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"