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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

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