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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of 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 for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep 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 up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"