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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often 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 might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"