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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with 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 solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock 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 can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"