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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of 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 defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof 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 confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"