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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. 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 get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"