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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive 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 campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"