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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should 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 assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"