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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win 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 adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"