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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"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 clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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 scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"