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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner 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 was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"