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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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