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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"