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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"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 like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"