🔗 Share this article Manchester City Alleged of Gamesmanship in Tight Victory Against Leeds - Daniel Farke Leeds United boss Daniel Farke felt Man City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an knock during the second period of their Premier League encounter Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval Second Period Comeback Denied Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for "Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated "It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution" Manager's Disappointment "I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied" "If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint" Late Deciding Goal Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season Tactical Adjustments However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad "During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden "We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right" Encouraging Signs for Leeds The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings "Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued "We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room" Expert Opinion Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period" "Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half" "Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders" "It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"