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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands 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 within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds 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 frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"