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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? 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 determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold 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 vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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