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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"