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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 the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"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 like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"