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Leeds 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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"