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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"