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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms 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 extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able 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," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"