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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

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

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even 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 regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking 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. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned 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 massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"