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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not 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 in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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