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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

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

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were 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 defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"