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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit 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 Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold 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 vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"