🔗 Share this article Manchester City Alleged of Rule-Bending in Narrow Victory Against Leeds United - Farke Leeds United manager Daniel Farke believed Manchester City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an injury during the second period of their top-flight clash Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break Second Period Revival Thwarted However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for "Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated "It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution" Manager's Frustration "I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited" "If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint" Late Winner Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season Tactical Adjustments However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad "During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden "We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections" Positive Signs for Leeds The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings "Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added "We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room" Expert Opinion Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period" "Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half" "Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders" "It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"