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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. 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 spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"