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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"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 roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"