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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"