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Leeds United head coach 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 inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards 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 like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following 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 two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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