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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even 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 injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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