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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. 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 spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment 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 fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"