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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of 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 keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"