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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"