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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during 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 obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep 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 put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"