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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

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

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"