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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played 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 was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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