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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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