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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt 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 myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody 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 display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

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