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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell 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 should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"