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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

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

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"