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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed 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 City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"