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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt 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 myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"