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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

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

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

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

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