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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"