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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"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 setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"