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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," 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 spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"