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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach'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 terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

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

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"