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Leeds United 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 poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

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