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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. 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 should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often 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 massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"