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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

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

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