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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 Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

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

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee 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 simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"