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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within 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 governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little 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 make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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