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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"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 approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted 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 occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"