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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 within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

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

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

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"