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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within 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 up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner 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 goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"