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

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 Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, 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 keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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