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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask 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 fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually 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 allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after 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 changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"