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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt 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 Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled 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 crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker 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 Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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