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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of 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 for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned 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 terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"