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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try 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 personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"