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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds United 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 frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"