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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 the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell 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 keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"