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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 worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell 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 keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"