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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. 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 should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules 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 allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"