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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"