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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit 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 ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"