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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," 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 like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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