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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell 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 for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"