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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations 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 within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"