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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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