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

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

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"