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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"