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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United 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 frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"