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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"