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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing 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 far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"