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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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