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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently 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 could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"