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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? 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 governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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