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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"