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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil 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 improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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