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

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

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

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

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"