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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 Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"