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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

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

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"