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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack 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 pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy 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 questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

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