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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper 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 finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"