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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

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

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"