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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules 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 allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really 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 brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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