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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't 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 approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during 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"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"