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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 match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows 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 smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"