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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows 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 rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline 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 bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"