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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody 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 approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club 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 can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"