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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed 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 occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds 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 responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"