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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? 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 wish to take action. Our options are limited"

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

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"