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Leeds United manager 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 made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

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

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"