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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, 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' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"