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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 top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down 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 keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players 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 fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

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

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"