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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 fixture at the Etihad

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 ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for 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 options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

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