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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

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