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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"