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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 got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester 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 changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"