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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

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

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"