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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach'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 regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for 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 played in this second period"

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

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