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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"