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Leeds head coach 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 poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve 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 want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"