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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

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

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"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 proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"