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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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