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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms 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 extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. 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 United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"