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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"