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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"