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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. 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 governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"