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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"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 for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"