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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, 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 could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"