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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof 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 confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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