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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within 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 up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting 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 altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

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

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

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win 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 manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"