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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

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

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"