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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

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

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"