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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 top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"