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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game 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 like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"