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

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

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"