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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit 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 ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive 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 might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"