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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down 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 ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost 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 regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but 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 criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"