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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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