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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper 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 finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game 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 rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated 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 way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"