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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference 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 bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"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 togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"