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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 the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach'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 players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy 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 changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"