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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

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