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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody 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 clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"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 criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

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