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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said 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 got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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