đŸ”— Share this article Manchester City Alleged of Gamesmanship in Tight Win Over Leeds United - Farke Leeds United boss Daniel Farke believed Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma feigned an knock in the second half of their top-flight clash Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break Second-Half Revival Denied Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for "Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented "It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution" Coach's Disappointment "I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited" "Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint" Late Winner Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term Tactical Adjustments Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players "At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden "We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections" Positive Signs for Leeds United The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings "To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued "We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room" Pundit Analysis Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period" "Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period" "Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs" "It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"