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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations 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"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. 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- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"