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Leeds manager 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 worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands 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 clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"