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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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