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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"