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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed 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 centre-backs"

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