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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic 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 half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"