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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker 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 can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"