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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

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

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

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