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Leeds United manager 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 poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"