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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

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

Late Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone 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 played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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