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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. 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 BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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