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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 match at Etihad Stadium

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 before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. 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 authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches 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 proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United 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 appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"