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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"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 reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester 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 performed in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"