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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted 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 bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play 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 like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"