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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with 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"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players 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 simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"