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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt 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"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive 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 should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"