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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

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

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"