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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable 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 changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"