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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed 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 came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"