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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. 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 for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"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 attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge 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 straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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