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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try 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 myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations 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 eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, 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 brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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