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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of 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 find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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 Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester 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 half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"