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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled 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

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"