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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? 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 governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"