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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows 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 regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"