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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations 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 allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

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

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