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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"