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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"