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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just 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 like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control 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 Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and following 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 BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"