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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to 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 point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just 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 myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

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

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds 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 came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"