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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players 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 allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

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

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