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

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

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came 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 centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"