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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial 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 season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"