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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try 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 rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"