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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"