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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"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 approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated 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 display with the way they have played in this second period"

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

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