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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? 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 authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"