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

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

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish 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 try to exploit regulations 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 allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but 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 changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"