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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper 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 finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker 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 United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"