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Leeds 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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope 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 touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within 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 for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, 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 United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable 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 often criticised for not being as proactive as he should 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 United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"