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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"