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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"