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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 match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

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

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

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

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"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 changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"