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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win 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 way they have played 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 City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"